Tributes pour in for Valerie Tolosa Stockdale, Pinay-Aussie fashion designer

The Fil-Aus constellation up in the sky is brighter with another star added to shine down on us.  A very talented fashion designer and great supporter of community events, Valerie Tolosa sadly passed away on the 14th of September at the young age of forty one years. Her cheerful disposition, lovely smiles and contagious laughter gave so much joy to the people around her. No one would have guessed, and as her mother Vilma stated, because she radiated so much joy that they all forgot about her cancer diagnosed some five years ago until recently when symptoms manifested and had to be addressed.

It was a joy for me to watch a sweet young girl grow up to be an achiever who did not let her success get in the way of being a lovely person. We got to know and became good friends with the family - mother Vilma, father Rusty and younger brother Ramces from when they migrated to Australia in 1986.  We were friends with her sister Versie Tamblyn (nee Virueda) who introduced the family to us.  Our children grew up together and because we did not a daughter, we looked upon her as our surrogate daughter.  Our older son Tim, and Ramses became good friends too, with Bevan enjoying two kuyas in the neighbourhood. 

Valerie graduated from KVB Institute of Design in 2000. She launched her own label, Valerie Tolosa, and had customers in the likes of Miranda Kerr and others who ordered dresses from her. She switched to clothing importing and had many customers in her book.

She married the love of her life, Anthony Stockdale, in a beautiful wedding on the 13th February 2009, a day before her birthday on Valentine's Day.  Her mother-in-law, Clare Stockdale adored Valerie and they got on like wildfire.

We have so many lovely memories of Valerie that we will cherish. Our sincerest condolences to Vilma, Rusty, Ramses and the whole family.

KATRINA GRANGE

There are some people you meet in this life and from the first moment you connect you are soul sisters. Today I found out one of my gals has been taken too soon Valerie Tolosa. I met Val through a mutual friend in the fashion industry and we hit it off immediately. I became her PR Gal. But before long, she was not just a client but a friend and one of the reasons I moved to Sydney. Val was one of the best friends a gal could have and she and her hubby Antony Stockdale took me under their wing.

I’ll never forget all the fun, the never ending laughter and love we always had. From the VIP bar at every Fashion Week to EP launches, to sneaky Shady Pines sessions. To nights in polishing off Cafe Patron. To walking the streets of Sydney in the early hours on our way to epic house parties. Val and I bumping in racks of clothes, sweet treats, and florals (breaking parking and security rules) so we could show her collections to fashion press in their Park Street offices.

Wearing her clothes I always felt like a sexy princess, a movie star. I can’t believe I won’t have one last hurrah with you beautiful girl. When people pass you always hear about their good points but with you there was only EVER beauty, love, light and laughter… SO much laughter. You are a joy and I will never forget you my friend. I still can’t believe you are gone.

ELLIE BYRNE

This woman is one of the greatest people I know. She brought so much happiness and laughter into this world. We now have a giant Valerie-shaped hole in our lives that will never be filled and nor should it. That place is forever hers. Valerie, our Peter Pan, thank you for giving me the honour of being in your life. I have loved every single minute of it. Rest In Peace you beautiful, loyal, crazy woman.

VERSIE TAMBLYN

CEN AMORES

Our hearts melt for the shocking passing of a rare gem and pride of our Fil--Aus community. Valerie Tolosa. At such an early age, she made a name for herself in the fashion and business industries. For many years, Valerie had been constantly sharing her blessings through sponsorships promoting our rich and unique cultural heritage and heading the Board of Judges in the selection of deserving winners in our annual Filipiniana competitions for many years.  Thank you, Valerie for our productive and very successful partnership in serving our community. Your legacy of genuine community service is immensely appreciated.

And to her parents, Vilma and Rusty, siblings and friends, we share your grief for the loss of such a caring and generous source of joy and pride. May God   welcomes Valerie into His kingdom. Rest in peace now and till we meet again!

 MICHELLE BALTAZAR

I will always remember Valerie as my dear friend who wore the most fabulous outfits, drank the best wine and laughed the loudest at parties. Not only was she a beautiful woman on the outside but a beautiful soul on the inside.

I never heard her say anything bad about anyone and she always brought the best in all of us who knew her. I will always cherish the friendship we shared and our happy memories. Her life may have been cut short but she made every moment count.

I will never forget her and I offer my heartfelt prayers to her family in this difficult time.

CHARLES CHAN

It was Mardi Gras night back in 2013 or 14 and I was all dressed up with our Flagcom entry when out of nowhere I say this unique object that was coming closer and closer to our float. To my surprise, it was Michelle, Marcus and Valerie that were holding the object and they were doing a semi dance routine. I asked Valerie what was the things she was holding, she said it's a jellyfish? Astonished by what she said, I had a second look and lo and behold it was a jellyfish as interpreted by Vallerie. It was made of a transparent egg-shaped umbrella. Inside she decorated it with battery operated LED lights and various coloured circles to make it colourful. On each of the pointy end of the umbrella skeleton, she attached white fabrics cut-out in different lenths representing the jellyfish legs. So as she danced with the umbrella in the air, it becomes more visible to me the creation she made. Simple but very effective. 

Valerie and co returned the following year in a French-inspired bourgeoise costume complete with make-up and blonde pony-tailed wig. 

You are such a creative person, Valerie. Your talent has never been confined in dressmaking but objects that unique and out this world. Our hearts are broken for your sudden passing. I will miss you sorely Val....but it's not goodbye, dear friend. Just .....see you later.   Rest in peace.

JOSIE MUSA

I was shocked and saddened by Valerie’s unexpected passing.

As most in the Filipino community know, Valerie was a kind, respectful and caring person. She never turned down the chance to help us in our community events even for a short notice she will be there to support. Her positive attitude was an inspiration for everyone she met.

She was a friend to me and many, and her memory will live on with me. I am so grateful to have known her.  I know that it is difficult to understand tragedies like this, but we can call on our faith to help us deal with them. I take comfort in the words of the Bible that tell us that those who mourn will be blessed.

To the bereaved family, please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers for her unexpected loss. May Valerie's beautiful soul rest in peace. 

ALBIE PRIAS

FLAGCOM Family is heavily devastated with the loss of one of our dear friend and champion supporter of our organisation - it’s goals and objectives. Valerie Tolosa had always been part of our events as a judge, sponsor or participant. She was a person who didn't know how to say 'no' to any request. Her creativity is exemplary. She designed Mardi Gras costumes for some of our parade participants to add colour and fun at FLAGCOM’s participation in the parade year after year. She offered her sincere, friendly smiles to everyone, anywhere and everywhere. She brightened people’s hearts.

Valerie's early passing is a big loss to us as an organisation and as a friend. Perhaps she is needed up there in heaven to brighten some angels’ spirits. As the President of FLAGCOM and friends, I send our deepest condolences to the family.

May dear Valerie Rest In Peace. We pray for her eternal repose.

Vilma and the whole family are sending their appreciation for all the kind thoughts and prayers by so many.

RACHEL DE LEON

Valerie..a beautiful soul gone too soon..Heaven has even made it more beautiful for they have gained another Angel wrapped in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ..