In Memoriam: Valerie Kemp

Successful Living is saddened to share the passing of Valerie Kemp, a longtime board member and dedicated supporter of our mission.

Valerie served on the Successful Living Board of Directors for 26 years, and her connection to the organization began even earlier. As a close friend of our founder, Teresa Kopatich, Valerie was involved with Successful Living almost from the beginning. She also served as the agency’s Executive Director before later transitioning to the Board, where she continued to provide leadership and guidance. Throughout her life, Valerie was deeply committed to social work and community service. She founded and directed the Broadway Neighborhood Center and later worked as a probation officer with the Department of Corrections – 6th Judicial District. Her work focused heavily on supporting individuals returning from corrections and ensuring they had meaningful opportunities to rebuild their lives.

Valerie was also a strong advocate for supportive housing and mental health services. Through her professional work and board service, she saw firsthand how stable housing and mental health support could help individuals regain stability and move forward successfully. Her dedication to the community was recognized with several honors, including the Iowa City Human Rights Award and the Governor’s Volunteer Award.

Valerie’s thoughtful voice, experience, and commitment helped shape Successful Living into the organization it is today. We are deeply grateful for her many years of service and the lasting impact she leaves on our organization and the community. Our thoughts are with Valerie’s family, friends, and all who knew her.

Read Valerie Kemp’s full obituary here: Valerie Kemp