Jody Arlene Valencia

Mom.
Grandma.
Aunt.
Mentor.

It has been a few months since Jody Valencia crossed the bridge. (Look for butterflies, she told us. One could be her!)

We intentionally waited before posting this Legacy page because Mom asked for happy memories to be shared, not necessarily condolences. She asked for her family and friends to write something from the heart, or better yet, a fun story. Maybe some of her friends/co-workers from her decades of service as a maternity nurse can tell some tales. With her birthday coming up in April, we decided this is the perfect time to share these memories.

She and her family embraced her scatter-brain way of taking an A-to-B conversation but going all the way to Z and back before actually getting to, you know, B. "Jody-speak", it was called.

She was like that for as long as we can remember. But another way her brain worked: When something was urgent, when stress levels increased, she became laser focused. You wanted her there, because she always knew what to do. We've been told she was like that in the maternity center, as well, remaining calm and professional, helping relieve the stress of so many of the patients under her care.

Lori, Jenny, and Paul were there until the very end. And Dave talked to her on the phone several times in those final days. We can assure you she left this world exactly like I just described: Focused. She told us she was ready. She could not hold on anymore. We told her there was no need. She had done perfect.

...

Jody Valencia passed away Dec. 4, 2025 in her home in Vancouver, Washington, surrounded by loved ones.

She was born in Pocatello, Idaho, on April 12, 1941. She also lived in Arizona before moving to the Bay Area in California. It was in California she attended nursing school, and upon graduation, she started her career as a maternity nurse. She and her family moved to Portland, Oregon, in 1979, where she first found work at Woodland Park Hospital. A few years later, Providence Medical Center in Portland was opening its first maternity ward. Jody, with her experience and skills, was selected to be on the original staff. She would spend decades there, always proud to be an original member of the team.

She is survived by her children, Lori, Dave, and Paul (Jenny), grandchildren David Jr., Amy, Maria, and Luna, as well as three great-grandchildren.

Beyond her family and friends, she loved mystery books/TV, the Raiders, and of course, Star Trek.

Live long and prosper? Memories of her certainly will, on this page, and in our hearts and minds.

We ask you to take the time to share some here. Her family will also post some memories, too.