PLEASANT VALLEY – Valerie Jane Mackay, 70, a lifelong area resident, died peacefully at her home on June 22, 2016, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Trenton, NJ, on August 18, 1945, she was the daughter of Paul J. and Regina Fannon Fitzpatrick. Valerie was the owner and principal designer of Valerie J Interiors in Palm Beach and Millbrook.
On June 25, 1999, Valerie married Norm Mackay who survives at home. She is also survived by her daughter, Regan Smith of Red Hook, NY, her adored granddaughters, Makenzie and Chloe Smith of Red Hook; Henny Mackay of Australia; her mother, Regina Fitzpatrick of Poughkeepsie; and her siblings, Colleen Fogarty and husband, Jim, of Newburgh, Darby Cardonsky of Greenwich, CT, Patricia Fitzpatrick and partner, Madeleine O’Brien, MD of Katonah, and Paul Fitzpattrick of Pleasant Valley. In addition to her father, Valerie was predeceased by her sister, Paulete Rainey.
Valerie had a storied career in retailing, starting as a buyer for the Wallace Department Store, Poughkeepsie and advancing to fashion buyer and merchandise manager for Lucky Platt Stores. She moved on to Herman’s Nursery to become the sales, marketing, and advertising director. She was a member of the Mill Street Loft Advisory Board and chaired their Friends of the Arts Award Even.
In 1990, Valerie began Valerie J Interiors and had offices in Millbrook, Jupiter Island and Palm Beach where she created her signature classic but lavish homes across the country
Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2-6pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday at 1pm at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Valerie Mackay Memorial Scholarship for the Girls Leadership Worldwide Program at Eleanor Roosevelt Vallkill; ERVC, PO Box 255, Hyde Park, NY 12538. Please visit Valerie’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneral home.com. – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/poughkeepsiejournal/obituary.aspx?n=Valerie-Mackay&pid=180437774#sthash.80OH3Rp4.dpuf
