Beautiful Valeska, I’ll always remember you as a child coming into Sutton’s with your mom many, many years ago, then as a strong & independent woman later on in life. 
You are an angel, and I wish your family peace and so much strength at a difficult time like this. All of my love to you, Wendi. 

One of my favorite memories was before we would go out.  Laura, you and I would sing and dance to so many songs.  You had the prettiest voice ever.   Our favorite was singing so loud Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now.  I loved hearing your voice and singing with you in the car or at home.  

From our times in our sorority and business fraternity through graduation, through friendships and relationships together, and hours of endless phone conversations, we went through so much and through it all you were my best friend.  You were there for me above and beyond and I loved our travels and experiences through California.  These are just a few of the many amazing memories I have.  

My heart and love goes out to your family.

Love you forever Valeska.  You are missed dearly.
Janis

I cannot begin to say how heartbroken I am to learn of your passing.  You were my best friend for so many years and always on my mind even through the years we didn't speak.  The world doesn't make sense without you.  You were a beautiful person inside and out and I have so many amazing memories of us smiling, laughing and just having so much fun together.  I will never forget you and you will always be in my heart and when I see you in Heaven, I promise you brunch at the Ivy, and dinner at Mastro's.  Love you forever Valeska.

From 2006 to 2011 Valeska was absolutely my best friend. As witnessed here, the friendship Valeska gave to me was not unique. Valeska valued many friendships and was always up for an adventure.  Yoga, long walks in the canyons, quiet days on the beach, nights out on the town, deep conversations around a camp fire. The sister I never had, I would have done anything for her. Our time together was full of unconditional love and loads of laughs; that deep laugh of hers that echos in a room and draws people near. 

We often spoke of how much she loved her family, relationships and the questions of belonging in this big universe. Valeska taught me how to stand in Any Room without fear and I shared with her how to sit with the present moment and be okay with the silence.

When I moved to the UK, I never stopped loving her, or missing her presence in my life, her laugh and smile. V was a generous, loving spirit that was more valuable to the world than she ever knew. 

Yesterday, was her Birthday, and as every year on Nov 5th, I was missing her. 
I said to a friend, Valeska would be waking up now and going to yoga. Probably has a lovely dinner party with friends planned tonight. 

Then, this morning, I found this. 

The love of my life was not a lover, she was my friend. 
And for that brief time I had her in my life, I will always be grateful. 
I miss you, and your magic shoes. Love, Michelle

Every time I sit down to write my fondest memories of you,  I freeze up. Holidays, dinners, trips, music... We talked about all the big things in life,  and laughed about all the trivial things.   How can it be that we cannot just share a phone call, or send an email? Your beauty, grace, humor and love will be with me forever, and a piece of my heart is forever surrendered with you. You gave me the courage to embrace spirit and signs and personal revelations.   I loved your stories, your insights and unique perspective.  We all miss you so much, and we feel you so much with us now. I love you Valeska, and I will think of you always. XO

I was lucky enough to meet Valeska at the dinner party when I first moved to LA. We were kindred spirits, and we had a lot of adventures before she moved to Arizona. She had such effortless style and grace, and I loved taking photographs of her. She was a very good friend to me. Sending love to her family and to everyone who loved her during this tough time.  

Valessca was a part of our weekly dinner party family.  For a while in 2012 she and I would go to the beach every Monday morning and walk from Venice to Santa Monica and back. She was very sweet, kind and beautiful and is missed. 
Here's a picture from one of our walks:

Valeska was alway up to join me in doing things! Hiking Runyon, Friday night brunch, coming to my holiday cocktail party and (pictured here) at my summer fav, Cinespia! Just the two of us went to see the Princess Bride there together. It was always lovely to have someone who said yes to doing spontaneous things...miss you.

Valeska Gann
11-5-1978 to 9-11-2018 Valeska passed away on September 11, 2018. She was preceded in death by her beloved pets Shu Shu and Lily. She is survived by her parents Ursula Gann and Michael Coretz, Dietmar and Elizabeth Gann. 	Her sister Eva, James and Audrey Rockefeller. Valeska was an avid traveler. Spent her years traveling the world and had a love for animals. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Southern Arizona Humane Society. 


Love you, miss you. I remember the many times you accompanied me to yoga class at Golden Bridge, and how we would share some pizza at Whole Foods after the class. How LA of us. Also how you were always game for any crazy idea, like coming with us to wine region in Mexico and enjoying some great food by the vineyard. 

My name is Heidi Taylor . I have known Valeska since she was about 6 year's old , one day Valeska,  her mother Ulla Gann and I went to Flagstaff Arizona.  Valeska wanted to play with her Barbie dolls , so we did . I was the Ken doll , she called me office John  which was someone working in her dad's office . She let me have it lol . She was a very sweet Girl . She will be missed. 

OBITUARY

Valeska Patricia Gann

5 November, 1978 – 11 September, 2018

East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services