Valerie Dawn

Burrow

Valerie Burrow, age 67, of Jeffersonville, Indiana, passed away on November 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Valerie fought a brave battle against metastatic breast cancer, sacrificing her own comfort to spend as much time with her family as possible.

Valerie was born on April 27, 1959, in Canton, Ohio, to Clyde and Sally Romy. She was a true eldest daughter, looking out for her many siblings: some biological, some adopted, some foster, some chosen, and all loved.

Valerie met her loving husband, Bruce, in Canton, Ohio, in 1977. They married on October 31, 1981, and had just celebrated 45 years as husband and wife. Through everything in life, they were partners, facing life’s challenges and celebrating its joys together.

In 1983, Valerie and Bruce welcomed their first daughter, Nicole, into the world. Five years later, they welcomed their second daughter, Stephanie. Valerie was, plain and simple, the best mom. She was there for every milestone, achievement, disappointment, and everything in between.

In 2010, Valerie was promoted from Mom to Mamaw with the birth of her first grandchild, Decker. Her sweet little “Bub” could do no wrong in her eyes, and he brought so much joy to her life. She was so proud of the kind and considerate person he is becoming. He recently got his driver’s license, and we know she will be his guardian angel on all of his adventures. In 2013, her first granddaughter, Romy, was born. No one could make Mamaw laugh quite like Romy, who is always the life of the party at family gatherings. Watching Romy cheer was one of Valerie’s greatest joys, and we know Mamaw will be cheering her on at every competition. Her third grandchild, Lilly Cate, was born in 2019. Mamaw and Lilly Cate were partners in crime, spending most days together eating ice cream, reading books, going on adventures, and doing whatever else sounded fun in the moment. Every morning on the way to school, they reminded each other just how much they loved one another: “A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.” Decker, Romy, and Lilly Cate truly had the best Mamaw ever.

Valerie served her community as a trusted banker for 26 years before retiring to spend more time with her grandchildren. She served as treasurer for Taste of Jeffersonville, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Jeffersonville High School Band, and, most recently, her granddaughter’s Girl Scout troop.

Valerie was happiest when she was with her family. Whether it was at family dinner every Sunday or family vacation every summer, she looked forward to each moment she could share with the people she loved most.

Valerie was an extraordinarily devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was so many things to so many people, but the common thread in every role she held was the way she loved. She showed up. She gave generously of herself. She made the people around her feel important, supported, and loved. Through her actions, she proved every day that love is a verb.

Valerie is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Bruce; her two daughters, Nicole and Stephanie; her two sons-in-law, David and Derek, who were always competing for the number-one son-in-law spot; and her favorite people in the whole world, her three grandchildren, Decker, Romy, and Lilly Cate. She is also survived by her mother, Sally Romy; her beloved siblings and their spouses, both the in-laws and the outlaws; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members; and dear friends who became family.

Valerie was preceded in death by her father, Clyde Romy; her grandparents; and other beloved family members and friends. She was also preceded in death by her favorite singer, Jimmy Buffett. We like to imagine that she’s on some beach, somewhere, singing along to “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”

A memorial service will be held at 7:30 P.M. on Thursday, November 19, 2026 at the Garr Funeral Home (7806 Highway 311, Sellersburg, Indiana). Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00 P.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Heel Dog Heal, the facility dog program at Norton Healthcare. River, Noah, and their handlers, Cindy and Eddie, brought immeasurable comfort to Valerie and her family during her final days. Supporting this program is a meaningful way to honor Valerie’s memory and help bring that same comfort to other families.

https://nortonchildrens.com/donate/