With deep sorrow and heartfelt reverence, we announce that Valerie Nathan, 80, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, with her devoted son by her side. She was born on September 5, 1945, in Kingston, Jamaica, to the late Horace and May Nathan.

With remarkable courage and determination, she immigrated to the United States from Jamaica in 1963. She graduated from Baltimore's Cortez Peters Business School in 1965 and went on to build a long and respected career as an Executive Assistant to the Vice President of MONY Insurance Company. She made her home in both New York and New Jersey before retiring to Florida in 2010. Affectionately known as Val, she embraced life with enthusiasm and style. An avid traveler, she especially treasured trips to Capri, Italy, and San Francisco, California. She found joy in home decorating, listening to music, playing mahjong, and settling in with a good television drama. Never one to pass up a great bargain, she delighted in her favorite stores, Macy’s and TJ Maxx. Val had a vibrant spirit, a keen eye for art, and a genuine appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. Though known to those closest to her for her stubborn streak, it was always matched by her unwavering loyalty and fierce commitment to her family.

A devoted mother and proud grandmother, Val led a life defined by resilience, sacrifice, and unconditional love. She is survived by her adoring son, Garyn Nathan and daughter-in-law, Kat, and her cherished grandson, Morgan, of Howell, New Jersey. She also leaves behind her sisters, Harlene Reid and husband Henry of Groveland, Florida, and Shirley Nathan-Pulliam of Baltimore, Maryland; her brother, Nicholas Nathan and wife Donna of Baltimore, Maryland; her cherished niece Marie Tomlinson who was raised alongside Val in Jamaica and shared a lifelong, sister-like bond with her, and many other beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Desmond “Sonny Jim” Jackson and Errol Nathan.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many individuals who provided compassionate care during Val’s final years including her special friends at Trilogy Orlando, her home caregivers, Maxine and Molly, the staff at Hunt Trace, and the nurses at Compassionate Care Hospice, whose kindness and support brought comfort to both her and her loved ones. Val’s love, wisdom, and spirit will forever remain, and her memory will be cherished always.

Relatives and friends may call Monday, March 9 from 11am – 2pm at the Becker Funeral Home, 806 W Minneola Ave, Clermont, FL 34711. Those who wish may make memorial contributions in Val’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001.