Valerie Wilder Korth

Valerie Wilder Korth, 94, author, editor, and philanthropist, died peacefully on November 9, 2020 of natural causes in Miami, Florida. Born in Detroit, Michigan on October 4, 1926, she was the only daughter and middle child of Robert and Sylvia Wilder. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English at Michigan State College (now Michigan State University). It was there that she met the love of her life, James Edward Korth. They moved from Michigan to Miami, Florida where they began their great adventure. She had seven children, nineteen grandchildren, and sixteen great grandchildren. She authored The History of Point Lookout and edited over 30 books. Her skills were often in demand for a variety of business and academic endeavors. She was a fantastic tennis player! She also loved to dance, hike, garden, practice yoga, do crossword puzzles, and play Scrabble and card games. Her ingenious ideas fueled many outstanding parties to the delight of many. Valerie was a generous donor and helper of anyone in need. She was the creative force in the founding of the Korth Family Foundation, which brings her family together as they continue and expand efforts focusing on the needs of children and wildlife. She loved the Catholic faith and was involved at her local parish, The Church of the Epiphany. She spent her summers at their cottage in Point Lookout, Michigan where she loved tending “the secret garden”. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, James, daughter Laurie, grandson Nicholas and granddaughter Sarah.
Survivors include two daughters: Robin Korth (Jo) and Colleen Tanzy (Craig); four sons: James Korth (Anne), Paul Korth, William Korth (Colleen), and Thomas Korth (Lucy); 18 grandchildren: Holly MacDonald-Korth, Emily MacDonald-Korth (Giselle), Duncan MacDonald-Korth (Rita), Patrick Korth, Peggy Cheney (Brad), Jennifer Llorente (Daniel), Christopher Korth (Ike), Valerie Leichtman, James Leichtman, Zachary Korth (Gretchen), Allison Korth-Angueven (Sam), Michelle Castellon (Johnny), Catherine Weymouth (Sean Taylor), Michael Tanzy (Melissa), Margaret Tanzy, Julia Rooney (Christopher), Miles Korth, and Carl Korth; and her 16 great-grandchildren.
We will miss her greatly and are comforted knowing she is now dancing again with her best friend, Jim.