Annette Linder Kacprzak

In loving memory of Valerie “Annette” Linder Kacprzak, age 64, the daughter of the late William Linder and Lois "Doreen" Ross; sister to Lisa Linder, Victoria Ross, Jennifer Linder, and Katherine Linder; wife of 26 years to Perry Kacprzak; and mother to Jessica Linder and Mikhail Bourgeois. Valerie Kacprzak passed away peacefully after an illness. She was deeply loved by family and friends and will be sorely missed.

Valerie was born in Concord, California, and raised in the Central Valley in Stevenson. She grew up on an animal farm and later settled in New Orleans, Louisiana, for nearly 40 years. To support her two children, she operated a French Quarter vintage clothing shop, Paisley Babylon, and later moved it online to work from home.

Always a fervent music lover, she became a radio DJ at local station WWOZ and hosted a wildly popular show, “The Blues Breakdown,” every Friday afternoon. Her 20 years at the station made “The Problem Child” a familiar voice and a beloved citizen of the city that she loved dearly. For many, she was a comfort to listen to and a voice of the community as it recovered from Hurricane Katrina.

Valerie was a tastemaker with a keen sense of style and an eye for exceptional things. She was witty and fashionable, with a dry sense of humor, a sweet, alluring voice, a quick laugh, and a deep well of empathy for people. Her loving, adventurous spirit will be forever remembered by her family, friends, and fans.

The service is private, and she’ll be laid to rest in St. Patrick Cemetery #3.