Valerie French dies from accident

WAKEMAN — She spent a good portion of her life working with children. In her retirement, she never slowed down. Valerie French, 68, died tragically on Thursday from injuries sustained after being hit by a car while riding a bicycle on Ohio 303 Wednesday morning near her home. Upon her retirement from the education field, French was honored for her 25 years of service to Norwalk Catholic School and St. Paul High School, where she spent a number of years as principal. This was said about French at her retirement gathering in June 2021: "French started at St. Paul High School in the 1996-1997 school year. Starting in the high school theology classroom, she later moved up to lead the high school as principal for eight years. Upon the merger of St. Paul and St. Mary's Elementary in 2006, she became the first principal of Norwalk Catholic School. One of her major accomplishments as NCS Elementary Principal was earning the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2014. In 2017, French went full circle and returned to the high school to teach theology to the freshman and juniors as well as advise the TLC. Words that came to mind about French from her long-time co-workers were: kind, compassionate, enthusiastic, hard working, intelligent, artistic and energetic. "We Live... to Serve!" At any given time you can say "We Live" and you will hear "To Serve!" throughout the halls. This could very well be French's trademark slogan. She always was willing to serve and lend a helping hand to numerous projects, committees or retreats. She could be found writing liturgy plans for all-school Masses, painting decorations or coordinating fundraising and school spirit activities with her TLC classes." According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol report, French was involved in a car versus bicycle crash at 10:47 a.m. Wednesday on Ohio 303 east of Butler Road in Wakeman Township. Richard Dewitt, 27, of South Amherst, was driving a white 2010 GMC van westbound on Ohio 303. Valerie French, 68, of Wakeman, was riding a bicycle westbound on Ohio 303. Dewitt did not notice French and struck the bicycle, according to patrol reports. Dewitt was wearing a safety belt. He was transported from the scene by Central Lorain County EMS to Fisher-Titus Medical Center with possible injuries. French was not wearing any protective equipment and was ejected from the bicycle. She was transported to Fisher-Titus Medical Center with serious injuries. She was flown from Fisher-Titus Medical Center to Cleveland MetroHealth. The Norwalk Post of the OSHP is investigating the accident. Valerie and her husband, Larry, were part of the family-owned French's Hybrids, a production and marketing of hybrid corn, soybeans and proprietary spelt lines on Ohio 303. At 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, the Facebook page for French's Hybrids announced Valerie's death: "We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our wife/mother/grandmother, Valerie French. Our mom was involved in a tragic accident yesterday, and peacefully passed away today, July 6th. She lived everyday of her life to the fullest, and in preparation of this day. Our hearts are shattered. Almost one year ago, our family, friends and community embraced us with support and an outpouring of love as we navigated a difficult season. Today, as we face one of the most toughest days of our lives, we again feel your love. We are so grateful for your thoughts, so appreciative of the love you have shown, and ask for continued prayers for our family. Arrangements are pending, we will share them as they are available. Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." French was also on the board of the Norwalk Area United Fund, where she will be missed. "I don't think Valerie touched anything without giving her all ... I will miss her more as a church member," United Fund Executive Director Carol Wheeler said. "She was a remarkable person. If you were touched by her spirit you witnessed it and knew it. "I don't think you could ask for a better board member — she was ready to commit to the community for what was needed," she added. "She did a lot for her church and distributed communion to the nursing home. Since COVID, she was one of the few registered to do it." Wheeler said French shared her skills with everyone. "Her cooking skills, her art skills — everything," Wheeler said. "She was deeply involved with the Wakeman Caring Community, which we fund." Norwalk Catholic School Martin Linder said she left her mark on the school. "She was fantastic," Linder said. "She dedicated her life to this school and we would not be where we are without her leadership. "Her dedication. Her faith. Her love of our students. She was key when the school merged. She was one of the few constants who helped be the bridge. She taught me theology my junior year (1997-1998). My senior year, she became principal." Wayne Babcanec worked with French as superintendent of the Norwalk City Schools and then later as Norwalk Catholic School President. "Valerie French was my friend and my colleague," he said. "She devoted her life to Catholic education in Norwalk. She put her heart and soul into everything she attempted. She was a committed leader who was a friend and leader to dozens of staff members throughout her career. "She enriched the lives of thousands of students and will leave a lasting legacy."