Jean Secor Valentine

Jean Secor Valentine

MILLERTON — Jean Secor Valentine, 59, of New Paltz, N.Y., and formerly of Millerton, died Jan. 19, 2020, at Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston, N.Y., following a courageous battle with cancer. 

Born Feb. 8, 1960, in Sharon, she was the daughter of Priscilla (Newman)  and Richard L. Valentine. 

A graduate of Webutuck Central School, Jean also attended Goucher College in Maryland and Alfred University in New York. She was a graduate of Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, N.Y., where she earned an associate’s degree in Mortuary Science and became a New York State licensed funeral director and embalmer.

Jean’s concern for those in mourning while working at the former Valentine Funeral Home in Millerton and Amenia will be remembered by many. She worked tirelessly with her father in the monument business, especially in the completion of the Millerton, Amenia and Sharon veterans’ memorials. 

Jean also owned and operated the Village Toggery, a clothing store in Millerton, for several years. She also served the community with active involvement in the Millerton Fire Department Rescue Squad and served as chairwoman of the Town of North East Planning Board. She will be remembered for her care and respect of the great outdoors and for her love of her Vizsla pet dogs.

Jean is survived by her mother, Priscilla Poucher and her husband, Claude, of Jessup, Ga.; and her father, Richard L. “Dick” Valentine and his wife, Helen, of Millerton. She leaves her sister Olivia “Libby” Markonic and her brother Bruce Valentine, also of Millerton. Also surviving are her nieces, Claire, Jane and Caroline Markonic; and several cousins. She leaves many caring friends who were especially kind during Jean’s illness. Jean was predeceased by her loving brother, Richard Valentine.

A graveside memorial service will take place on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 11 a.m. at Irondale Cemetery in Millerton, the Rev. William Mayhew officiating. 

A reception in Jean’s honor will follow at 132 Gun Club Road in Millerton. 

Arrangements are under the care of the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home in Millerton. To send an online condolence, go to www.conklinfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the ASPCA and will be greatly appreciated. 

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