Valerie T Guyer

Valerie T. Guyer, 90, of Rockford, IL passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2026. She was born in Rockford on September 22, 1935, the second child of Polish immigrant parents Jacob and Mary (Monvid) Guyer. Valerie’s brother, Stanley, about 10 years her senior, was her only sibling. Valerie was very devoted to her parents and brother, and she and Stan were fluent in English and Polish throughout their lives.

Valerie attended St. Stanislaus Kosta Grade School (she was double-promoted in the lower grades). She attended Muldoon Catholic High School on a one-year scholarship, but unable to afford the tuition, completed high school at Rockford East, graduating at the young age of 16. She received another one-year scholarship to attend Northwestern University where she enjoyed both the academics and the sorority experience, but was unable to continue due to lack of family funds. She took a modest job in the city, working hard and saving until she was able to afford attending Court Reporter School. Those struggles led Valerie to a lifelong career as a court reporter where she worked with attorneys in the Chicago area. Valerie also took extra classes at Loyola University where she met her lifelong best friend, Nancy Elmsley. They always kept in close touch with each other. In those early adult years Valerie learned much about law and finance and made many friends in those fields. She was naturally curious and an avid learner throughout her life. Study was easy for her.

 Valerie and her family were steadfast in their Catholic Faith, and the Guyer family made many friends through the practice of their faith and their participation in the St. Stanislaus community. Val spoke often and very fondly of the “old neighborhood”, but after many years Val and her Mom moved to southeast Rockford on Huntington Pkwy, easy walking distance to St. Rita Catholic Church. Even in her very last days Val continued to pray many Rosaries and other devotions for her family members and friends.

Valerie was blessed to be a very attractive lady. Her beauty and outgoing personality drew several marriage proposals, but she preferred to stay single and in charge of her own life. She had to make important decisions for herself and family members, and was very helpful to many of them.

 Valerie was preceded in death by her parents, brother Stanley, nephew Richard and great- grand-nephew Nikoloi. She leaves behind her nephew, Thomas Guyer (the late Mary) niece, Patricia Guyer, grand-niece, Veronica Guyer Elms (Scott), grand-nephews, Drew (Erin) and Brandon Lidster, great-grand nephews Ayden and Micha Lidster, Henry Elms, great grand-nieces, Cecelia and Jayden Lidster, Ravin and Sophia Elms, great-great grand-niece, Armani Smallwood, Goddaughter, Valerie Loftus. Valerie leaves many friends, most especially her dear friends, Nancy Elmsley and Sharon Tallman.

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