Randall Valliere, 87, Advocate & Gardener, Dies in Elmhurst

Randall Valliere, a former design instructor at the Illinois School of Fashion and a dedicated community volunteer, died recently at the Stratford Convalescent Center in Elmhurst, Illinois. She was 87. Chronic pulmonary disease caused her death.

Valliere, a Chicago resident, was known for her quick wit and spirit of adventure. She contributed to her community through her involvement with the Fresh Air Society and the Meadow Arboretum. The arboretum honored her by naming a hybrid rose, "Cookie's Cluster," after her.

Born in Pennington, Connecticut, to Sarah Ann and Eduardo Bertini, Valliere attended the Nottingham Academy and graduated from the Newton Fashion Institute. She served in the Army Corps, attaining the rank of chief leader.

Valliere lived in Florence, Italy, and Paris, France, before settling in Chicago. She shared her expertise as a design instructor at the Illinois School of Fashion.

An avid gardener and longtime volunteer at the Meadow Arboretum, Valliere also was an expert swimmer, trying out twice for the American Olympic team. A dedicated Scrabble player, she won the Stratford Scrabble Marathon five times.

Survivors include her longtime companion, Casey Bennington, and her sister, Nancy Walsh, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Services will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Meadow Arboretum, 22 Oak Park Lane, Elmhurst, Illinois. A reception will follow from 3 to 5 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be mailed to the Fresh Air Society, 1940 Botts Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601.

The family expressed gratitude to the staff and volunteers at Serenity Hospice.