Valeria Mattos Nereo, a remarkable woman of intellect and compassion, passed away in September 2023. Born in Massachusetts in August 1947, Valeria’s life was marked by a profound curiosity and a dedication to making the world a better place. She was a resident of Berkeley, California for over 25 years.
Val’s academic journey began at Taunton High School and continued at Bridgewater State University, where she earned a degree in Physics. She furthered her education at the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in Statistics. Her impressive academic background led her to a successful career at Hewlett-Packard, where she applied her technical skills to solve real-world problems.
Val was known for her strong commitment to social and environmental justice. She used her expertise in science and statistics to address pressing societal issues, always driven by a desire to help others. Her work was a testament to her belief in equity and justice.
Beyond her professional achievements, Valeria had a great love for her Kerry Blue Terrier, Noely. Her diverse interests spanned from science and politics to art and religion, and she was never shy about expressing her strong opinions on various subjects.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her impact will continue to be felt through the lives she touched and the causes she championed.