Val-Gene Gripes

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Val-Gene Gripes, a beloved mother, sister, and friend, who left us on March 1, 2025, at the age of 68. Val-Gene was born on January 21, 1957, in Hartford, Connecticut, the cherished daughter of Betty Anetta Wilson Gripes (Lynch) and David Gripes. Her kindness, giving spirit and warmth touched the lives of everyone around her, and she will be profoundly missed.

Val-Gene was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Betty Anetta Wilson Gripes (Lynch), her father, David Gripes, her brother Lawrence "Larry" Johnson, and her big sister Paula Beth Gripes. She is survived by her doting daughter, Darryen Blair Gripes, her loving son, Jonathan-David Tate Gripes and beloved Grandpuppy Midnight Mayhem. Val-Gene's legacy will live on through her children, who carry her love and values in their hearts.

Val-Gene's warm spirit and kind heart resonated deeply with everyone who knew her. She was a source of strength for many, and her unwavering love and support will forever be remembered. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hartford Healthcare, specifically her heart failure team, Dr. Xingchen Mai, APRN Dawn S., Her team of Nurses, Amanda, Kelly, and Jo T and Social Workers Kerry and Carol your love, care and compassion for her children and care during this difficult time has been exceptional.

Val-Gene, known affectionately as Ma Val, grew up in Bloomfield, where she developed a strong sense of family, community and a deep commitment to helping others. She attended school in Bloomfield and graduated Bloomfield High School with her beloved class of 1975. Throughout her life, Val-Gene was dedicated to her bettering herself for her family, holding positions at Trust Academy, Chapelle Construction, and finally retiring from the Urban League of Greater Hartford after 25 years of service. Her work ethic and kindness earned her respect and admiration from colleagues and friends alike.

On 3/16/2024 after over 10 years of being Sigma Gamma Rho adjacent her dream of becoming a member of this organizations Philo Affiliate was realized. She was ready to continue her commitment to service and sisterhood with her Philo Sisters and Friends of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated.

A celebration of Val-Gene's life will be held on March 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the All Faith Memorial Chapel, located at 90 John Fitch Boulevard, South Windsor, CT 06074. Family and friends are invited to join in honoring her memory and sharing stories of the impact she made on our lives. Though Val-Gene may have departed from this earth, her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those she loved. We encourage all who knew her to carry forward her legacy of kindness, creativity, and love. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will be cherished forever.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Val-Gene Gripes, please visit our floral store.