Valerie Rae Kohler

Valerie Rae Kohler, 64, of Newberry, died Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Newberry County Memorial Hospital.

Born on December 4, 1957, in Cleveland, OH, she was a daughter of Elaine Brubaker Kohler and the late Edward Russell Kohler.  She had a culinary degree and was an accomplished chef who was an original member of the Figaro Hospitality Group, having started with them in 2002.  Prior to her position at Figaro the Dining Room where she was the Brunch Sous Chef, she worked at several major establishments including the Marriott and Hilton hotels where she earned executive chef status. Her impressive food and beverage career spanned over 40 years.

She is survived in addition to her mother, Elaine Kohler by her fiancé, Thomas H. Pagan; daughters, Crystal Marie (Vivek) Zachariah, Caryn Rae (Ernest) Osewenkhae and Catrina Ann Craft; sisters, Kyndra Cerullo and Dawn Kohler; brothers, Edward Kyle Kohler, Kirk Kohler, Kory Kohler and Keane Kohler; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-3000.

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.