Valerie (Kartorie) Radley Wilson died August 31, 2026, after a long illness.

       She was predeceased by her parents, Helen and Valentine Kartorie; her brother, Willis C. Kartorie, and her beloved husband, Dean Radley.

       Valerie was born on June 14, 1941, in York, Pennsylvania. Her life epitomized the well-known quote by French philosopher Rene Descartes, “I think, therefore I am.” She was a brilliant student, teacher and mentor. She graduated from Vassar College in 1963, and subsequently received her Master’s Degree in secondary education from Syracuse University. In 1966 she began her career as a history teacher in the Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District, and taught there until her retirement in 1996.

       As well as teaching a variety of different history and law courses during her tenure at F-M, Valerie was the long-time advisor and coach for the F-M High School Mock Trial team. She led team members to multiple successes in New York State Bar Association High School Mock Trial competitions, with F-M being regional finalists in 1984, 1991, 1992, and 1996. The team also won the state championship in three of those years. Valerie’s knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment were fundamental to the initial success of the program and established a standard of excellence which continues to this day.

       Having this long-term success is a tribute to Valerie’s mentorship of the team members. She motivated them to learn beyond the classroom and encouraged them to develop a passion and curiosity for the law. Under her tutelage, the students developed skills in public speaking, legal research, teamwork and self-confidence.

       Valerie had a number of life-long loves. She loved flowers, dogs, cats, antiques, golf, jewelry, learning, and most of all, she loved people.

       Although Valerie was predeceased by her biological family, her broader family of friends, colleagues and students celebrates her life, and is forever grateful for the positive impact she made in theirs.

       There are no calling hours or services. Contributions in Valerie’s memory may be made to Helping Hounds Dog Rescue, 7268 Caswell Avenue, North Syracuse, NY 13212 or online at www.helpinghoundsdogrescue.org/donate/. Michael E. Brown Funeral Services in Cazenovia has care of arrangements.