Twila Valentine

Twila Jean “TJ” Valentine passed away March 30, 2022 in Waunakee, WI. She was born on July 23, 1931 to Joseph and Elizabeth Duraney in Shaffer’s Corner, PA.  She is survived by daughters Laurie Duraney of Fitchburg, Jayne Schiro (Kevin Fillner) of Reedsburg, Beth Johnson (Tom McInnis) of Lake Tomahawk and grandson Nick Schiro of Madison.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Joseph E (Jack), infant sister Betty Lou, former husband Paul Johnson and beloved cats CiCi and Misty.

TJ was most proud of her educational accomplishments. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northeastern Illinois University in August 1976, and a Master of Arts degree from Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in October 1988.  She worked in the Tampa Bay, FL area as an in-home therapist for children with physical and mental disabilities until her retirement. She then moved to Wisconsin to be closer to family.

TJ was introduced to the Ho-Chunk tribe through the WhiteEagle family, who adopted her as a mother. She fell in love with the culture, especially songs accompanied by the big drum and traditional dance.

TJ enjoyed crocheting and knitting even though she was legally blind. She provided many handmade caps to area hospitals’ NICU for newborn and premature babies. She was a member of the Red Hatters club and loved socializing with her many friends at Cannery Row and Sienna Crest of Waunakee.  She was considered the “house mom” of Sienna Crest and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church (701 S Century Ave, Waunakee) on April 23. Visitation is from 10:00am – 11:00am, with the memorial service at 11:00am. A light lunch will be served immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.

Thank you to the staff and friends of Sienna Crest in Waunakee for taking good care of Mom in her final years. She really enjoyed living there!

In lieu of flowers, please donate in TJ’s name to the Madison Cat Project or the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired.