Valerie Van Baaren, Esq.

OBITUARY

Valerie Lorraine Mayo van Baaren

March 13, 1948 - February 5, 2025

Valerie Lorraine Mayo van Baaren, a brilliant legal mind, devoted mother, doting grandmother, and fierce advocate for justice, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025, at the age of 77 in
Jefferson Township, NJ. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, wisdom, and unwavering love for her family and community.

Born and raised at 332 Whiton Street in Jersey City, NJ, Valerie’s pursuit of excellence began early. She attended Howard University for her undergraduate studies before earning a master’s
degree from Boston College. She then went on to Rutgers Law School, where she was part of one of the first Minority Students Program classes, paving the way for future generations of legal
professionals. Valerie’s passion for justice and civil rights led her to participate in the March on Washington and dedicate her career to advocating for marginalized communities.

Valerie built an esteemed career as an attorney, working with the Department of Education in Trenton, New Jersey before spending 20 years as University Counsel at Montclair State University, where she was beloved by colleagues and students alike. She spent much of her life in Orange, NJ, with her husband, Kees van Baaren, before moving to Jefferson Township, NJ, where she lived with her daughter in her final years.

Valerie was the heart of her family, a woman of immense strength and humor who remained steadfastly “fine” even in her final moments, demonstrating grace and resilience until the very end. She found joy in travel, family gatherings, and fine dining, but above all, she cherished being a mother and grandmother. Her daughter, Noelle van Baaren, and grandson, Charles Ramos Jr., were her greatest sources of pride, and she would do anything for those she loved.

Valerie is survived by her daughter, Noelle van Baaren; son-in-law, Charles Ramos Sr.; and grandson, Charles Ramos Jr. She also leaves behind her brother, Vallie Mayo; sister-in-law, Vera van Baaren; stepchildren, Michele, Irene, and Wouter van Baaren; step-grandchildren, Nienke, Jeroen, and Didi; nieces and nephews, Maud, Luc, and Janice van Baaren; aunt, Gladys Allen; and beloved cousins, Yvonne Hopkins, Rosalyn Browne, LFD, Kenneth W. Cattenhead, LFD, Charles Allen Jr., Craig Allen, Lynette Allen-Perry, Ronald Allen, Carlton Allen, Christopher Allen, Gayle Brown, and Gregory Allen. She was also deeply loved by her aunt, Gladys Allen.

She is reunited in peace with her husband, Kees van Baaren; mother, Leoris Mayo; brother-in-law,
Alex van Baaren; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins, including Wilma Fowlkes, Edna
& Henry St. Paul, Lyndsay & Shirley Allen, Charles K. Allen, Sr., Jeanette Williams, Walter Allen,
Beverly Fowlkes, Sandra Johnson, Herbert A. Jackson, LFD,  and Muriel Jackson.

Valerie will be remembered for her unwavering strength, humor, and fierce devotion to her
family. Her legacy of love, advocacy, and resilience will live on in the hearts of those who were
fortunate enough to know her.

A memorial service will be held in her honor on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Camp Jefferson,
81 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849, beginning at 10:00 AM. A repast will follow at
Lake Shawnee Clubhouse, 4 West Shawnee Trail, Jefferson Township, NJ 07885.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a charity supporting civil rights or
education, in honor of Valerie’s lifelong dedication to justice and learning.
Valerie’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and brilliance. She will be profoundly missed but forever celebrated.

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