Valerie McNabb

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Valerie Jean McNabb left her earthly home in the pre dawn hours of Octrober 24th, 2024. She lived 67 years before succumbing to the effects of multiple illnesses.

She was preceded in her departure by her brother, Warren Scott McNabb and her mother, Geraldine McNabb. She is survived in this life by her children, Beverly (Beth) Spencer and Daniel Spencer, her grandson, Lane Spencer, her father, Warren Neil McNabb, her sister, Neeve Venezuela, her nieces and nephew - Neala, Joel, Arika, Ashley and Jasmine, several beloved aunts, an uncle, cousins and a devoted sister and brother in law.

Valerie, the middle child of Gerry and Neil, was born in Albuquerque, NM, on, December 28th, 1956.

Her father's career with Raytheon allowed the family to experience life outside of the U.S. where Valerie attended elementary school in Germany, and high school in Tehran, Iran.

She told her children stories of the homey, welcoming, sense of community she experienced in Germany. Her fondest memory was walking through their small neighborhood towing a little wagon. Mothers along the street would come out of their homes and ask Valerie to take a variety of gifts to her parents like the memorable sweet treats that she has never been able to duplicate..

Valerie was driven to provide for her family and did so by obtaining a bachelor's degree in accounting. She did well in her chosen career. However, to the delight of her children, she repeatedly expressed that she actually wanted to be a racecar driver.

The last few decades of Valerie's life were defined by illness. Though her time and energy were focused differently, she never faltered in her curiosity, love of life, and the endless well of love she has always had for her family.

Valerie's sister, Neeve, encapsulated her personality by describing her as "beautiful, amazing, loving and goofy." Her grandson, Lane, so very accurately said she was "full of light and joy." Her Aunt Mary echoed in describing Valerie, as "full of sparkle." All of this is true.

She has always had an indescribable quality to her that makes you want to be near her, that draws you to her.

I will forever be grateful for the incredible and humbling privilege it is to be her daughter. To be allowed to learn from her, grow with her, laugh with her, and care for her is something I will treasure, always. I think my brother, Daniel, said it best. "She is definitely the best mom in the world."

We share the unshakable belief that death merely separates the spirit and soul from the physical body. So I shall continue to speak of her in the present tense as it is merely her body that has ceased to function. The essence of who she is will always remain and live on.

She still loves, she still laughs, she still remains near us. Just as our love for her will remain present tense, never past.