Valerie L Rector Zins, 57

Anchorage Daily News (AK) - Tuesday, September 30, 2008

April 15, 1951 ~ Sept. 16, 2008
Lifelong Alaskan Valerie L. (Rector) Zins, 57, died Sept. 16, 2008, at University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle.
She was born April 15, 1951, in Ketchikan to Charles and Betty Rector. She moved to Anchorage in 1964, graduating from West High School in 1969.
She worked at the city prosecutor's office for many years and raised three children with Adam Zins. She lived in Eagle River and Anchorage until her move to Seattle for health purposes in 2007.
She fought many courageous health-related battles in her lifetime, including polio, Hodgkins disease, and three open-heart surgeries before she died of complications from pulmonary hypertension. She maintained her optimism throughout them all.
Valerie was a well-known and talented applique artist and hand quilter. She belonged to Anchorage Log Cabin Quilters, Bad Birthday Girls quilters and Sew Fine Quilters. Many remember her elfish grin and infectious laugh. Quilt Works was her home away from home.
Valerie is survived by her three children, Andrew Zins of Seattle, Amy Mathews of Auburn, Wash., and Vanessa Fernandez of Savannah, Ga.; and six grandchildren; sisters, Darylee Moe of Mukilteo, Wash., and Charlene Rector of Anchorage. She had many dear friends in Alaska who kept in touch with her after she moved. She will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.
Friends who would like to send condolences may mail them to C. Rector at 1514 Primrose St., Anchorage, AK 99508.