Valerie Ann Ray Borne

Valerie was born December 29, 1925 to Edgar Cameron Ray (d. 1973) and Eloise Ourso Ray (d. 1990). She was predeceased by her beloved sister, Mildred Ray Duclos (d. 2007) and by her husband Raymond A. Borne (d. 1972). She is survived by her nephew Warren E. Duclos, Jr. and his wife Cynthia A. Cousins.

Valerie was beautiful, smart, loving, and brave. She pursued a quiet clerical career, working at Southern Heater and then for the State of Louisiana, Division of Family Services. She was a graduate of St. Joseph Parish High School. But she was primarily self-educated and personally insightful, learning much from radio and television programs and her own experiences and wise reflection. She had a discerning eye for the better qualities in people and always appreciated a good laugh. After Raymond’s death, she enjoyed her independence and regular phone contact with her cousins and neighbors.

Valerie lived in Metairie, St. Benilde Catholic Church Parish, for fort-five years, then in Mandeville. She was cared for and was grateful to her doctors and nurses, and to the staffs of Ochsner Hospital, Brookdale of Mandeville, Hospice Specialists of Louisiana, New Life Sitter Services, Heritage Manor of Mandeville, and St. Catherine’s Hospice. In each case, she enjoyed chatting with the staff, making them laugh, and sometimes giving them advice.

Her mortal remains will rest with those of her husband, her sister, and her mother – at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum. She was among the few remaining of her generation of dozens of cousins, with whom she looks forward to being reunited. She is deeply loved and missed by her nephew and godson Warren “Gene” and by his wife Cynthia, as well as by cousins and friends. All are welcome to remember her in the guestbook at lakelawnmetairie.com

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Children’s Hospital of New Orleans in her name, https://www.chnola.org/chnola-giving/

Arrangements were private at her request.