Sad News About JT Member ValerieB

[Ron Thorne]

[Ron Thorne]

[Ron Thorne]

[Zula]

I'm so sorry to hear this... though unlikely, with luck, maybe she will be able to respond to some sushi, her favourite, iirc. Hoping for a peaceful, pain-free time for Valerie. Please pass on my warm regards, if you or Justin get a chance, Ron. Thank you for the updates!
Best,
Cem

[Jazzooo]

I hope she knows how loved she is.

[jtx]

Hello, everyone. Latest news from Jay is no improvement, unfortunately. Still sleeping most of the time. Waking moments are fleeting and not lasting.

[Ron Thorne]

.

[Ron Thorne]

Jay Blotcher‎ > Valerie Bishop
4 hrs ·

Valerie Isabel Paul Bishop
June 18, 1940-August 21, 2017

Valerie Bishop, jazz lover, sassy spirit, beloved friend and cherished mother, passed this morning after a long battle with cancer at the age of 77. In the past week she had been visited by many friends who got to voice their love and say goodbye. At her request, there will be no funeral, but a memorial service will be held at a later date. I will also list charities where you can make donations in her memory. Thank you for my life, Mamacita, and farewell.

Here are places and causes that Valerie loved and I invite you to make donations in her memory.

http://jazzfoundation.org/
https://www.newportfestivals.org/our-mission/
http://www.montereyjazzfestival.org/jazz-education
http://jazzbakery.org/
https://www.grammy.com/musicares

[Ron Thorne]

[Zula]

So sorry to hear she's gone... sincere condolences to her loved ones!

We used to have a few laughs while posting Valerie songs on JC for her on her birthday:





Farewell, Valerie...

[rlfun]

Very sorry about this news, Ron and Patti. I know she was a close, cherished friend.

[Ron Thorne]

[Ron Thorne]

[Ron Thorne]

[jtx]

[bluenoter]

[Ron Thorne]

—

[Ron Thorne]

'Save the Date: A jazz celebration of the life of Valerie Bishop will take place on Sunday, October 29, in the afternoon in Los Angeles. More specific details to follow. Please share with those who loved her. Thank you.'

[Ron Thorne]

"For those who wish to say goodbye to Valerie...
There will be a graveside service in Sharon, Massachusetts, on Sunday, Oct 22, at 10:45am at Sharon Memorial Park.
The cemetery entrance is at 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA 02067. Signs will guide you to the family plot.
The service will last 25 minutes. All are welcome."

[Ron Thorne]

[Gentle Giant]

Was honored to be among the mourners at Valerie Bishop's memorial service this morning. It was a beautiful send-off, fittingly with moving words and stirring music. Great to meet Marla Kleman as well as Valerie's family and friends. RIP.

[Ron Thorne]

[jtx]

I attended the celebration event for Valerie at the Catalina Jazz Club. It was a great tribute for a great lady. Of course, one event cannot possibly do her justice, but it did provide a great way to bring many of Valerie's LA-area friends and family together for a wonderful send off.



As indicated in (PDF), the event was hosted by , and special guest musicians were Herbie Hancock, Bennie Maupin and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance Ensemble, a group that Herbie is directly involved with and the Thelonious Monk Institute, for which he chairs the board of trustees.





Herbie reflected on his connections going way back with Valerie, and played a solo tribute to her. This was followed by Bennie Maupin, who also shared some of his memories and provided another excellent solo performance. The ensemble played several times, culminating in a final performance featuring Herbie sitting in with the ensemble.







It was a simultaneously joyous and bittersweet affair at a favorite venue of Valerie's (which I attended with her once - I made sure to sit in the same place we sat), commemorating a special individual who all in attendance agreed was a truly remarkable, one-of-a-kind soul who positively impacted everyone she befriended. As I was carrying my camera, I was asked to snap a photo of the inner circle of folks who put on the event, including Valerie's pride and joy, her son Jay (also pictured with me below), and his husband Brook. What a nice bunch of folks.



I made some new friends in the process, something I am certain would make Valerie smile.

[Jazzooo]

beautiful, thanks.

[rlfun]

Thanks Justin. Great photos and remembrance. What an experience. Wonderful photos of Valerie with Ron and Patti, too.