The courts at EMTC felt a little emptier this Sunday as we mourn the sudden and unexpected loss of a true club treasure, Valerie Grigoletto.

Valerie joined us in April 1999, and over the decades she became a foundational part of our club's fabric. While many of us knew her as one of the hearts and souls of the Sunday Social group for the last 25 years, her roots at EMTC ran much deeper. In the earlier years, she was a familiar face among the Midweek Ladies, forming friendships on the court that lasted a lifetime.

Valerie wasn’t just a player; she was a builder of our community. She gave her time and energy generously, serving on the Club Committee during the 2000s and never shying away from the “heavy lifting.” Whether it was rolling up her sleeves at a club working bee or helping organise one of our many functions, Valerie was the kind of member every club dreams of having - someone who showed up, pitched in, and made the place better for everyone.

Of course, Valerie truly excelled at the “social after the social.” She was a fixture of the Sunday afternoon gatherings and Friday mornings, rarely missing the chance to share a laugh and a story once the rackets were packed away. When Christmas came around, she excelled, always bringing her home-made food. We will miss her wonderful Date and Walnut dessert this year.

Valerie was multilingual, and on court, if her doubles partner missed a shot, they could expect a glare and possibly a comment in any of her five languages - always given in the spirit of tennis.

To know Valerie was to be greeted with a genuine smile and a warmth that made every member, old or new, feel like they belonged. Her sudden passing has come as a shock to us all. We will miss her competitive spirit, her tireless volunteering, and her wonderful company on and off the court.

Vale, Valerie. You played a wonderful match, and your legacy lives on in the spirit of the club you helped build.

In accordance with Valerie's wishes, her family have arranged a simple memorial service to be held at 10am on Thursday March 12 at Nelson Brothers Funeral Services (315 Kooyong Road, Elsternwick). You are welcome to attend what will be a celebration of a life well lived.

Tony Lane & Ralph Muir-Morris
Past & Current President