Valerie Mansbendel was born in Austin April 9, 1913. She was Peter and Clo’s first child. She remained close to her parents throughout her life. She had a classical education with an outstanding knowledge of French and Latin. She attended St Andrews, a private school until high school. where she attended Austin High and graduated in 1928. Valerie then attended Hollins College and later UT. She met her husband Bill Williams at Barton Springs where he was a lifeguard around 1930 and they were married February 14, 1933, before completing her college education. The Williams had two children William (Bill) T. III and Valerie (Dee Dee). The Williams lived next door to the Mansbendel’s in Hyde Park in Austin.
Valerie was not only a loving mother to her children but one who thought her life’s mission was to lend a helping hand with loving understanding to anyone in need. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, Camp Ginger Blue counselor, PTA president and worker at Miss Fannies and the Saint David’s thrift shop, and a member of the Hyde Park Reading Club. She was also a member of the Austin Women’s Forum and the North Austin Lady Lions. When her son Billy suffered a life threatening illness in February of 1969, she took care of him for the six weeks of bed confinement, convalescence and recovery. She died July 10, 1976.