Valerie J. Loftus

OLEAN — Valerie J. Loftus, 63, passed away unexpectedly Monday (Jan. 26, 2026) at her home.

Born Sept. 23, 1962, in Cuba, she was the daughter of Richard Suckow and Nancy Lord.

Valerie graduated from Olean High School.

She held several jobs in the area, including AVX, McDonalds and most recently as a cook for Applebee’s.

In her free time, she enjoyed cooking and reading. Valerie’s motherly personality allowed her to care for everyone that she came across. She will be remembered for being selfless and always taking care of others.

Surviving are her daughter, Kristine (Nathanial) Kavanagh-Rogers of Portville; grandchildren, Kaylin (Dalton Fries) Kavanagh, Arik Kavanagh and Drake Kavanagh; one great-grandson, Oslo Fries; her siblings, Susan Lord of California, Cheryl Sisson of Olean, Richard (Theresa) Kavanagh of Allegany, Ellen (Daniel) Petersen of Allegany and Angela Kavanagh of Allegany; her former husband and friend, Albert “Jay” Loftus Jr.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; and nephew, Robert Shoup III.

No funeral services will be held. Burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Jude Children’ s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105; the Alzeihmer’s Association, www.alz.org; or Roswell Park Cancer Institute, https://www.roswellpark.org/giving.