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Valerie Harper Obituary

Valerie Harper was the Emmy-winning actress who starred in TV's "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Rhoda," playing the colorful and spunky Rhoda Morgenstern. She also appeared in movies including “Freebie and the Bean” and “Chapter Two,” for which she received Golden Globe nominations, and she was Tony-nominated for her work on Broadway.

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Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Aug. 30, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Valerie Harper

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372 Entries

Jennifer Baribault

April 1, 2022

Valerie Harper was the Emmy-winning a (actress she co-starred there from 19770-1974 with Mary Tyler Moore on the "Mary Tyler Show", then she stared in the spin-off series Rhoda (CBS 1974-1978) in which her character returned to New York, she paled Valerie Hogan in "Valerie" from 1986-1987 and along she has reunited with former her MTM cast member on the Betty White show Hot in Cleveland in season 4 2013. She will be miss never be forgotten, your legacy will live on reruns Valeries. Thanks for the laugher that your brought into our house. We all know she is in a good place now, has been reunited with her MTM cast member along with other people she has work with. Also, she was a talented actress too.

Brenda Coan

November 10, 2020

Valerie Harper one of my favorite actresses of all time. You left us too soon. You will be remembered.

May 20, 2020

God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's..My heartfelt condolences to the family's..

Elizabeth Hall

April 2, 2020

I thought she was great on the Mary Tyler Moore show

January 12, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with your family.

December 4, 2019

My Condolences to the family, I remember the joy that That Valerie Harper brought me each week. May the God of comfort be with the family.
RIP

November 28, 2019

My heartfelt sympathy to the family's...May God be a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's..

October 26, 2019

Still feeling the loss of such an amazing talent. May God continue to be with the family as they go through this very difficult time.

October 4, 2019

Admirers of beautiful Valerie continue to share their love for her through their loving messages. She will forever be remembered for her outstanding talents and her courage. RIP Valerie A fan

September 29, 2019

Valerie is now at peace after her long battle. May her family find some peace and comfort in these loving messages. Valerie's admirers continue to show how much she meant to the world. Valerie will always remain in the hearts of her family, friends and fans. Dawn S.

September 28, 2019

May God surround Valerie's family and friends with love during this very sorrowful time. She was a very special lady who set many examples of courage and bravery for us all. Valerie's talents were many, but how she lived her life will also be remembered. She now sleeps in heavenly peace! Mary M.

September 27, 2019

Almost a month has passed since the world has lost this beautiful lady. Valerie was an outstanding actress who entertained millions of people. Her courage and bravery will also be remembered in her fight for her life. What a loss for her family, friends, and fans. JMM

September 26, 2019

I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss of a very talented woman, who will be remembered for her contribution to the film industry and theater. May you find comfort and strength in God during this time of mourning.

September 25, 2019

We send our sincere condolences to your family during this sad time. Valerie Harper added to the positive field of entertainment. It was a delight to watch her perform. She will be missed by many.

September 24, 2019

Valerie's beautiful smile will always be remembered. Her admirers are many and all feel true sadness at her loss. She now needs to rest---Barb S.

K. Hope

September 21, 2019

My condolences to the Harper family and friends. Valerie was very talented. I loved her on her first two shows. She will be deeply missed but not forgotten. As time passes, may your family find comfort from the God of all comfort.

September 20, 2019

Valerie will be forever missed by her family, friends, and fans. She fought her battle with such courage and bravery. Valerie was also an outstanding actress who entertained millions. What a Woman!! Pat M.

Debbie Giustizia

September 19, 2019

Rip watched you all the time you will truly be missed thank you for making me laugh and smile

September 18, 2019

What beautiful messages have been posted for this courageous lady. Valerie is being honored by all her admirers through these loving thoughts. Now Valerie is resting in heavenly peace. Mac

Deborah

September 18, 2019

Miss Harper I would have loved to have met you I've been watching a show when you're on the Mary Tyler Moore and the Rhoda show since I was a little girl and to this day I recorded the whole week that they contribute to you. I'm so sorry but I know you're in heaven with my cousin who died of the same sad disease rest in peace and God bless your family they will be very heartbroken without you

September 17, 2019

We are very sad at the passing of Valerie. She was a true STAR both in her own life and as an actress. All of her admirers will forever remember this beautiful lady. Karen G.

Winnie Slaver

September 17, 2019

Valerie was a very funny lady and so talented. She will me missed. She had such a zest for life. W.Slaver

September 16, 2019

Valerie created Rhoda and the world gained a beautiful loving lady just like Valerie. Both were loved and will forever be remembered as special icons. Dawn M.

September 15, 2019

All these messages expressed for Valerie is a reminder of her much she was loved. She was a ICON to all her family, friends and admirers. Valerie will now be that STAR in the heavenly skies. Paula M

September 15, 2019

To Tony and Christina-may you have some comfort from all these loving messages for Valerie. She was a amazing woman for her courage and bravery. Valerie's acting was always outstanding whether on TV, movies or on the stage. She will forever be remembered for all her talents Valerie now is your guardian angel!! Jane

Charlotte Weinreich-Leone

September 14, 2019

Thank you

Charlotte Weinreich-Leon

September 14, 2019

Memories. So many I had as a young woman. You helped define me along with Mary Tyler Moore. I thank you so much.

Dianne Schofield Skoda

September 14, 2019

I just want to say that Rhoda/Valerie was my hero & I admired every aspect of her life. I planned a stay in Ogunquit one year, just to see her in theatre, but unfortunately she had to cancel. Thank you Valerie for your tenacious spunk & independent spirit. Rest In Peace.

September 14, 2019

The public continues to show their love for Valerie through these messages. She was a wonderful actress and a courageous lady. Now Valerie has joined the heavenly angels for eternity. Shawne D.

Demetrius Oliver

September 14, 2019

In loving memory of a wonderful person. Valerie was a very talented and funny lady who continued on with life regardless of her illness. Very brave soul. Rest in Peace beautiful Angel. You will be truly missed.

September 13, 2019

Valerie will be remembered in the hearts of her family, friends and fans forever. She was responsible for so much laughter with her creation of Rhoda. Barb S.

September 13, 2019

A beautiful soul has soared to heaven with her new wings. Valerie was a beloved woman known for her bravery and her courage. As an actress she was an outstanding talent. May she now rest in peace. AJM

September 12, 2019

The public continues to show their love for Valerie by these beautiful messages. She will always be remembered for her talents and her courage. What a woman--Pat M.

September 11, 2019

A beautiful soul has soared to heaven with her new wings. Valerie was a beloved woman known for her bravery and her courage. As an actress she was an outstanding talent. May she now rest in peace. AJM

September 11, 2019

Hey Val: Your not gone......you have gone incognito (underground)...and by the way....do me a favor....will ya....leave the light on for me :) I don't wanta trip....and go to hell in a hand basket...love is eternal....Valerie is love.....

September 11, 2019

I am sorry regarding her death. I can remember her role as Roda. She was very funny.

Paula MCFADDEN

September 11, 2019

Dear Valerie, I never got the chance to meet you personally, but I feel as though I know you. I have followed your career through the years. Great actress, beautiful woman with a heart of gold. I just wanted to say thank you for all the laughter you brought into my life. I guess God needed another angel, one that could make him laugh, so he took the best, Valerie Harper. I am glad that you are at peace now and in no more pain. Know that you were and are loved and appreciated. My condolences to Tony and your family.

Shirley Driscoll

September 10, 2019

I enjoyed all of her TV shows. Such a bright warm personality. My father, Bob Dashney, worked with her brother Don at the bakery in Medford. My condolences to her family.

September 10, 2019

What a terrible loss for her family and friends. Valerie will forever be remembered as a courageous lady who "fought the good fight."As an outstanding actress she will forever be a true STAR-- Barb M.

September 9, 2019

Tony, Cristina, and Family,
I offer my deepest condolences to the family. Valerie had such a wonderful way of making us laugh and bring humor into our lives. We are so thankful she shared her humorous activities with us. She will be missed by many, many people around the world. I remember watching her on television starting with The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and I was always excited when she came on camera. Valeria will not be forgotten. May you continue to treasure the good memories you have and may God give you strength and soothe your hearts during this difficult time. Psalm 23

tracey coats

September 9, 2019

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Ann Lin

September 9, 2019

Condolences to the family of Valerie Harper,
Just like Valerie brought such good moments to each of our lives on this site with her acting and awareness we pray that the comforting words by many who knew her personally and those encouraged by her bring you the family members even more support and comfort. Our prayers of hope and endurance for you now and the days ahead are with you.

Vicki Logemann

September 8, 2019

I really liked her as a actress. I Love watching her in the old reruns of Mary Tyler Moore show! (Those are the best shows, they don't make them like they used to-they're classic & I grew up with them- just makes you feel nostalgic!) She was so funny & hilarious. I love her bravery for all the years she had brain cancer. She was a strong/ brave soul. I liked her personality & her fight & promotion for a cure, she definitely was a great person, & will be truly missed. I didn't know she passed until seeing it on a network that runs older shows, & saying remembering Valerie. God's Blessing to her family/friends & blessing to her soul & spirit. RIP Valerie!

Patty Trautman

September 8, 2019

Valerie Harper was very talented actress. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.

Rita Sedillo

September 8, 2019

You will be true my missed..you made me laugh when times were rough.RIP

Dennis Burnham

September 8, 2019

Valerie and I started our careers at the World famous Radio City Music Hall. She on stage and me in front of house greeting hundreds of thousands of patrons from throughout the World!
One day at the employee cafeteria i invited her to sit at my table for lunch between shows
We talked about the stage show...the movie.....and laughed a lot! She remember me even when passing on the street near the Music Hall....a gesture i will never forget! RIP

Dinah Fischer

September 8, 2019

Dear Valerie aka Rhoda. Thank you for your strength, courage and tons of laughter! RIP

September 8, 2019

Valerie may have left the stage too early, but through these loving messages she has not left peoples' hearts. This beloved icon taught the world courage and bravery in dealing with her illness. She will also be remembered for her outstanding talents and beauty. RIP VALERIE Mary M.

george turner

September 8, 2019

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Luana

September 8, 2019

Thank you for the laughs lovely lady .
Enjoy Paradise .

Michael Rebaczonok-Padulo

September 8, 2019

Heaven has gained another angel, but you will always be cherished and missed here on earth. Thank you for all the joy and laughter you brought into our lives. My deepest condolences to all your family and loved ones,

Lauren and phyllis Katz and rifkin

September 7, 2019

She is loved by millions and she will never know how much she will be missed. She was a joy to watch . I love the way she said Mary's name .

Lauren and phyllis Katz and rifkin

September 7, 2019

My condolences go out to the family. Valerie will be sorley missed. She was a hell of an actress.

September 7, 2019

Valerie is still so popular that many tv stations are showing a marathon of episodes of Rhoda. Also, her appearances on the MTM show will be included. These tributes for Valerie proves she was truly an ICON/STAR. RIP BEAUTIFUL LADY -- Jane M.

Alice Henderson

September 7, 2019

R I P

Alice Henderson

September 7, 2019

You were dearly loved by many you never knew. I watched you with Mary, and continued on with Rhonda. Rest in peace sweet angel, you will be missed!

Elizabeth Kelly

September 7, 2019

Thank you, Valerie for teaching me to stand up for who I am and to live every moment to the fullest. To your family I send my love and appreciate for sharing this light with us. We love you!!

Jean-François Roy

September 7, 2019

Valerie was an amazing, gorgeous actress with a fair for comedy. She and Mary Tyler Moore were a great pair to Watch. I thought she had beaten her illness but sadly God had plans for her to be with Mary T. Moore and let her be at peace.

My deepest condolences to her husband, family, friends and her fans who loved her.
I will never forget you "Rhoda"

Monica

September 7, 2019

You will be missed!! Loved her outlook in life!

September 7, 2019

I love watching you as a child you will be missed God bless

Karen Kumar

September 7, 2019

My deepest condolences to Ms. Harper's family. Her character, Rhoda, had a tremendously positive influence in my life. She demonstrated strength and human vulnerability with grace and humor! Ms. Harper's talent was unique, a breath of fresh air! A classic. Rest In Peace.

Brenda

September 7, 2019

I was deeply saddened to hear of Valerie's death. I loved and simply adored her as an actress. Felt sorrow when I heard of her bout with cancer. Happy that her suffering has ended, and I am relieved that she is now sleeping peacefully awaiting God's promise of her enjoying a healthy, happy, peaceful life in Paradise. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones!

September 7, 2019

My condolences to the family my the creator give you all strength during this difficult time
Pgc

Angela Harris

September 6, 2019

I will miss you Angela Sue Harris

September 6, 2019

Valerie was an excellent actress who really shined as Rhoda. We all loved her for her courage and bravery too. Her husband Tony and daughter Kristina should know what Valerie also meant to her world of admirers. Through these continuing loving messages posted shows she was a very beloved lady. AJ

Denise

September 6, 2019

Greatly admired

Kevin Fagan

September 6, 2019

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Kevin Fagan

September 6, 2019

THE BEST OF THE BEST I WILL MISS HER.SHE GAVE A GREAT FIGHT TILL OUR LORD CALLED HER HOME ,I THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT AND FUNNY TIMES YOU GAVE US.MAY YOU NOW REST IN PEACE WITH OUR LORD.

Sylvia Franklin

September 6, 2019

Dear Valerie I want to thank you for your talent!Thanks for the laughs with Mary! You andMtm costars in heaven together! I'm missing you already!R.I.P.

Justin Clayton

September 6, 2019

Dearest Valerie,

Talent aside for a moment, your beauty, kindness, compassion, and genuine concern and interest in other people, will forever remain the hallmark of your shining spirit and remarkable personality. We met once in New York, only a couple of years ago, and I exclaimed I finally met Rhoda! You laughed, and we talked for a few minutes. I was so incredibly impressed that you actually took the time to chat with me, a fan That moment will stay with me forever! Since then, I wrote you occasional letters, and sent you holiday, birthday and encouragement cards, which always resulted in a thank your note, expressing your appreciation, and always signed Love, Valerie. I have save them all. They mean a lot to me.

You will be forever missed! Thankfully, though, you will remain alive and well and so incredibly brilliant in all your films and television shows.

My heart goes out to Tony, your daughter and your family. May you Rest In Peace, Valerie. You above all deserve it.

Justin Clayton

September 6, 2019

Soar with the Angels..

September 6, 2019

Tributes continue for this brave lady. Valerie will always be remembered for all the laughter she gave to millions. The character Rhoda was her signature role and no one else could bring her to life like Valerie. Now RIP Valerie---- Katie

George Mallory

September 6, 2019

Valerie was a dear and caring person who everyone loved. She fought a brave fight and will miss her forever. She was pure joy and love .

September 6, 2019

Valerie has passed into eternity because she needed to rest now. Her bravery will forever be remembered. She was a beautiful talented lady who gave the world so many smiles. May her family be comforted by these loving messages that continue to be posted. AJM

September 6, 2019

My condolences to Valerie's family and friends. May you find strength from the love and care that surrounds you and comfort in the memories that you shared.

Yvonne

September 6, 2019

Valerie Harper faced her illness with so much courage. She was a beautiful person inside and out. Condolences to her family.

Suzanne Dolgoff

September 6, 2019

I want to send my deepest condolences to Valeries husband and daughter. I just finished reading her book and learned so much about this incredible woman who was beyond talented, loving and an inspiration. Her love for her family and life is evident. I will never forget Valerie Harper. RIP

sherry keough

September 5, 2019

I was very impressed with her acting. I myself am Jewish and always thought she was Jewish by the character Rhoda. Marvelous job Valerie. I will pray for her family tonight as my respects.

Jo-Anne Vares

September 5, 2019

It is with great sadness that I send my condolences to Valerie Harpers family & friends. Although I have never met Valerie, her character "Rhoda" walked into my heart during the 60's & 70's sitcoms. For me, Valerie will always be that kind, funny, smiling, bandana clad girl..who every other girl wanted to be!

Chris Dumont

September 5, 2019

Valerie was a shining light throughout her career and brought smiles and laughter to so many over the years. She will always be Rhoda for me, as I watched her growing up in the 70's. We'll always have that part of her to keep us smiling. To her family go my deepest condolences at this difficult time. Thank you sweet angel!

Mary O'Connor

September 5, 2019

Valerie was a beautiful soul inside and out who was also a very gifted actress. She could always make us smile! She was so relatable and down-to-earth; we miss her. Deep sympathies and much love to Tony and Cristina.

September 5, 2019

Valerie's Rhoda was a very beloved character she created. There were so many shows that are on film for all her fans to honor her memory. May her family be surrounded by love of friends at this very sad time. Mary A.

Woody McBreairty

September 5, 2019

Valerie was a lovely woman, very caring & generous & down-to-earth at all times, with a smile that lit up entire rooms. I sometimes drove Valerie to CBS Radford when she first started doing the MTM Show in 1970 when I worked for her manager. I also worded on several episodes of "City" also at CBS & had many chances to see how kindly she treated others, how generous she was with her time & support & how much she valued team work & made everyone around her feel important. I think "Rhoda" was one of the funniest sitcoms ever. Rhoda, Brenda & Ida were all that were needed to make the show hysterically funny & entertaining - no one else was necessary. I often now picture her radiant smile, her comment "Have a great show..." & especially how lucky I was to have made her acquaintance. There was only one "Rhoda" just as there was only one "Valerie". Both have taken their place in American TV culture & neither can ever be replaced or ever forgotten.

Connie

September 5, 2019

I was a great big fan of the Mary Tyler Moore Show and I really enjoyed Rhoda. To the family of Valerie please continue to cherish the wonderful memories of Valerie because they will bring you laughter now and for a long time. May God be with you and your family and bring you much comfort.

Dakota Aubrie Williams

September 5, 2019

Ms. Valerie Harper Rest In Peace and you will be missed by so many people especially me. I Love You and God Bless You Always. You are always in my heart Ms. Valerie Harper.

Lisa Weiner

September 5, 2019

To Valerie Harper,
You were a very talented actress . My prayers go out to your family . Lisa Weiner

September 5, 2019

A great blessing was that term family got to spend much more time with Valerie than the doctors thought. May the Gods promises provide her husband and daughter a measure of comfort to cope with the days ahead.

September 5, 2019

May Valerie's family be comforted by these loving messages. All of these posted tributes show how much she was admired. The world feels the loss of this beautiful and brave lady. Barbara M.

C. Robert Holloway

September 5, 2019

Youre radiant smile and sharing soul will always be in my cherished thoughts and prayers. Your abiding friendship is one of my most valued possessions. Rest In Peace and share your joy with the angels.

September 5, 2019

Blessings...

September 5, 2019

Love her show. Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ms.Valerie. May you have the peace of our loving God.

September 5, 2019

Our condolences and heartfelt prayers go out to the family. May the God of tender mercies and all comfort be with you and all of those whose lives your lovely Wife and Mother touched via our televisions. She was truly a most beautiful woman!

❤♥

MM, Brandon Mississippi

Donna a fan

September 5, 2019

Our sincere condolences to the family of the late Valerie Harper. What an amazing woman, you will be missed by all of us who loved you for the wonderful person you were. You fought to the very end, now it's your time to rest in the arms of Our Lord.

Joan Drage

September 4, 2019

Rest in peace Valerie. God Bless your family and friends.

Tim Irish

September 4, 2019

She was wickedly funny, profoundly talented and had a wonderful, positive sense of humor about herself. I believe those qualities fueled her long, happy survival of serious illness. With Mary gone for two years now, an era closes. Rest well, beautiful.

Teresa Farrell

September 4, 2019

She was a great actress would have loved to know her in person .
GOD BLESS

John Adkins

September 4, 2019

Thanks Valerie for all the laughs you gave us and for setting the perfect example for all of us on how not to ever give up and keep on fighting and living our best lives.

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