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2020
Valentine, Naomi
1939 - 2020
Naomi Nishimura Valentine, passed away on Monday, September 14, 2020 at the age of 81. Her beloved husband Don Valentine passed away in March 2020. Naomi was born on July 17, 1939 in Japan and met Don while he was stationed in Japan serving in the Air Force. Don immediately fell in love with Naomi, pursuing her after he returned to the USA. She moved to the United States when they married in March of 1968. She worked for Honda as a Japanese interpreter for many years. She also worked with the Ohio State University and Ohio Health as an interpreter. She became an attorney in Japan and visited her homeland on occasion. She loved arts and crafts and traveling. Naomi and Don loved taking cruises and spent much of the later years on cruise ships. Having no children of their own, their focus was on the hundreds of orchestra students that Don taught through the Upper Arlington Schools and in their home. They impacted these young people with their loving, encouraging and kind spirits. Don and Naomi spent most of their lives focusing on Don's love of teaching orchestral music to his students who they treated like their own children. Naomi's father passed away during World War II and her mother passed away in 1979 after moving to the USA to live with Don and Naomi. Naomi is survived by their long-time dear friend, Dave Garman and good friends and caretakers, Alan and Terry Starr. We would like to thank the kind and caring staff of Brookdale Muirfield and the Brookdale Muirfield Clare Bridge staff who loved and cared for Naomi. Arrangements are being handled by Rutherford Funeral Homes. Condolences may be sent to Alan and Terry Starr, 3820 Rushmore Drive, Upper Arlington, OH 43220. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
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5 Entries
Naomi and Don were such a loving and supportive couple. They are greatly missed and forever in my heart.
Cindy Snyder
September 19, 2022
I knew Naomi and Don for over 50 years since I started orchestra In Upper Arlington. They were like caring parents to thousands of students through the years. Even after I left UA I could always count on them for advice in life through the years. They will be dearly missed and will always have a special place in my heart.
Cindy (Schrumpf) Snyder
North Canton Orchestra
cindy snyder
Student
September 30, 2020
I knew Naomi and Don for over 50 years since I started orchestra In Upper Arlington. They were like caring parents to thousands of students through the years. Even after I left UA I could always count on them for advice in life through the years. They will be dearly missed and will always have a special place in my heart.
Cindy (Schrumpf) Snyder
North Canton Orchestra
cindy snyder
Student
September 30, 2020
I was a student of Mr. Valentine at Upper Arlington. My parents - John and Joan Larson - were in the Rolls Royce group and always enjoyed getting together with the Valentines
Cyndi Larson Carr
Student
September 24, 2020
Mr. And Mrs. Valentine were really good friends of our family. Don and I met at a family cookout about 12 years ago. He needed work done on his computer and I was looking for a cello teacher for my daughter Mikayla. From that point on, the Valentines were our family. I remember Mrs. Valentine would always wanted make our bellies full from her delicious Japanese cuisine. It worked. My family will mourn her loss but glad they will be together again.
Brandon, Lola and Mikayla Lewis
Brandon Lewis
Family
September 19, 2020
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