Valerie McGinty

Valerie McGinty (nee Dittrich, formerly Wood), of Yorkville, formerly of Palos Park, IL, passed away on September 22, 2026, at the age of 89. She leaves behind a legacy of a life well-lived, filled with wonderful people, unforgettable experiences, and countless stories that made everyone smile. Her heart was as big as it gets, and she never met a stranger.

Born February 14, 1937, to George and Marie Dittrich of Chicago, Valerie possessed a vibrant spirit from an early age. As a child, she was an accomplished accordion player, competing in numerous festivals—most notably earning superior ratings at the Chicagoland Music Festival at Soldier Field. A graduate of Morgan Park High School, she worked at Illinois Bell before marrying her first husband, William A. Wood, and devoting her life to raising her family. Valerie was a dedicated mother who took great joy in volunteering at her children’s schools. In later years, she shared a wonderful life with her second husband, David McGinty, traveling

extensively across the United States. Among their most cherished memories were two fantastic hiking trips through the Alaskan wilderness. In her final years, Valerie resided at Cedarhurst of Yorkville, where she delighted in making new friends and keeping the staff on their toes with her sharp wit.

Valerie was preceded in death by her husband, David McGinty; her son, Daryl Wood; and her brother, Jerome (Nancy) Dittrich. She is survived by her loving daughter, Kimberly Wood (Paul James); her grandson and "besties friend in the whole wide world," John (Valerie) Gardner; her brothers, Dennis (Cynthia) Dittrich and Thomas (Celeste) Dittrich; as well as many nieces, nephews, and members of the McGinty family.

Visitation Monday September 28, 2026, at 10:00am until time of Funeral Service at 10:30am at the Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home, with Pastor Brian Moore officiating. Interment will follow at Fairmount Willow Hills Cemetery in Willow Springs.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Park Lawn School and Activity Center in Oak Lawn, an organization that held a special place in her heart through her son Daryl.

Please join us in raising a cup of coffee to this grand lady. Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “! What a Ride!