J. Valerie Nisbet

1931 - 2025

J. Valerie Nisbet (Payne)

April 16, 1931 - September 15, 2025

State College, Pennsylvania - J. Valerie Nisbet (Payne) passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025. Valerie was born in St. Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom on April 16, 1931, the daughter of the late Agnes Stevens and Captain Samuel Payne. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. John Stirling Nisbet, and sister, Shirley Sellens, of Southampton England. Along with her brother, Roger John Payne, of Penang, Malaysia, she is survived by her sons, Robert Nisbet and his wife, Janice, of North Beach, Maryland and Alexander Nisbet and his wife, Judy, of Fairfax, Virginia and her grandchildren, John and his wife, Brittany; Nicole; Christiana Livingston and her husband, Caleb; Robyn Park and her husband, Dan; Heather Lester and her husband, Barney.

Valerie grew up in St. Ives when it was a small fishing village and remembered seeing preparations for what became the D-Day invasion. After the war, she moved to London where she met her husband, John. There they developed their love for theater, opera, museums, and being with their many friends.

Valerie and John were married on January 10, 1953. In February 1953, they emigrated first to Canada where she was employed by McMaster University in Ontario. In 1955, they emigrated to the United States where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from The Pennsylvania State University. She was employed with the College of Home Economics and then with the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park until her retirement. In support of her husband's career, they lived in California, France, Belgium and Puerto Rico.

Valerie and John traveled extensively prior to and after their retirement visiting over 100 countries. Valerie enjoyed reading; especially English literature and mysteries. Her favorite pastime was spending time with family and traveling with the grandchildren to the Caribbean, Europe, China, and Egypt.

Following Valerie's wishes, all services will be private.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbara Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc of Centre Hall. To share memories and condolences online, please visit daughenbaughs.com.