Hi, my name is Valerie DeJarld. I am a native of the Washington metropolitan area, and I moved to Leland in June of 2016. I am the mother of two daughters and two sons, and a grandmother of five. Unfortunately, they are all scattered across the States. I started my career directly after high school in the administrative field, first with the federal government and then with IBM.
After my youngest child was born, I entered nursing school, which had been a long-time dream of mine. I spent 31 years in that rewarding profession, retiring one week prior to my relocation to Leland.
Two of my goals for my free time were to become a Master Gardener and to get myself and my dog, Miley, certified as a therapy team. I have accomplished both, so now I am learning how to quilt. Prior to my move, I was an avid runner, but my knees were wearing out, so I traded my running shoes for dancing shoes and have taken up line and shag dancing. I also enjoy working in my garden and training Miley in agility.
I have been involved with various ministries of the church, Canines for Service, Paws Place Dog Rescue, the New Hanover Arboretum, and Brunswick Family Assistance. I was raised Catholic and practiced my faith until shortly before moving to North Carolina.
When I got settled in here, I began my search for a church. arrived at St. Paul’s one morning and sat in the last pew, where I was greeted and welcomed by our famous Don Bobo. While I was impressed by the service and my warm welcome, I did continue to check out every Catholic and Episcopal church within an hour’s radius of my home.
Well, I came back to St. Paul’s, and the rest is history. After several months of nagging, I convinced my sister Karen to give it a try as well, and she immediately fell in love with St. Paul’s. We were both received into the Church in January 2019, and we never regretted that decision. St. Paul’s has become my spiritual home, and I have come to know some of the most loving and supportive people I ever could have imagined. I am so blessed to be a part of this community.