A Tribute to Valerie Harper

An angel among us

The Survivor Mitzvah Project mourns the passing of our dear friend, Valerie Harper

Her gifts to us are many. Beautiful, vivacious, energetic, Valerie was funny, spirited and enormously talented. She greeted each day with a positive outlook, her signature megawatt smile and an unshakeable belief in the power every person has to make a difference in our world. What truly made her stand out, was her compassion, her many enthusiastic acts of kindness, and her commitment to countless worthy causes that benefitted from her involvement.

She was an ardent supporter of The Survivor Mitzvah Project, donating her time and talents whenever we needed her. If I would call to ask if she could possibly read a letter from a Holocaust survivor at one of our emergency aid events, I could barely finish my sentence before she would say, “Just tell me when and where, and I’ll be there to help you raise funds. This is too important.”

With Tony Cacciotti, her beloved husband, partner, and best friend at her side, Valerie always made time to help, even traveling across the country to give voice to survivors who had been silenced for decades. Her moving and powerful performances raised funds which provided food medicine heat and shelter. We share with you two of those astounding readings.

As we mourn the passing of an inspiring life, we

are able to keep Valerie’s vibrant spirit alive when we act compassionately and shower kindness upon others.

In every life she touched, there is a spark of Valerie Harper just waiting to ignite.

In her memory, let’s call upon the better angels in our nature and take care of each other.
– Zane Buzby