Born Valerie Andrews on the dining room table in a small house in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. Daughter of Sally and Noel Andrews, and Sister to Noel, Yvonne and Lynne. Wife to Joseph Matones (until 1980) and Mama Bear to Laura and Joseph 'JJ' for whom she made a loving home and ensured that any and all dreams were possible. Nanny to Joseph James DiStefano and Jessica Lynne DiStefano; Loving mother in law to Joe DiStefano Auntie Bear to Donna, Jim and James Cafiero Loved by her 'adopted' family, Henrietta DeLuca, Diane Morales, Warren DeLuca, Sue Jantzen and their respective and growing families. Also loved by childhood friends and co-workers of many years- too many to mention. (You know who you are!) Retired from St Johns Episcopal Nursing Home/Interfaith Medical Center after almost 30 years of dedication. Fun loving World Traveler and Cruiser, first with her second life partner, Oakley and later with her children and their families. The 'last leaf' on her branch of the family tree, she will be missed and remembered fondly by all who knew her, especially when 'Valerie' by Amy Winehouse is on the radio.

In lieu of flowers, the Matones family suggests that donations be made at the following two links: <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/valerie-matones-pays-the-layaway?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1">https://www.gofundme.com/f/valerie-matones-pays-the-layaway?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1</a> or <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate/our-goal-urgently-needed-cure?smcid=ap-a1b1R0000086fJ4">https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate/our-goal-urgently-needed-cure?smcid=ap-a1b1R0000086fJ4</a>