Daniel And Valerie Zane

Daniel and Valerie Zane

Daniel Zane and Valerie Zane, residents of White Plains since 1954, died within two days of each other this April. Val was 91, and Dan was 94. The Zanes, who had been married for 70 years, had lived near their daughter's family in Philadelphia for the last year and a half, Val in a skilled nursing facility and Dan in an independent living apartment in the same complex. Dan cared for his wife lovingly during that time, spending all his days with her as she declined due to Parkinson's and Lewy body dementia

When the senior living place where they lived closed to visitors and didn't allow going back and forth from independent living to the nursing unit, Dan moved into a room in the nursing unit so that he could continue to care for Val every day. When a nurse tested positive for the virus three weeks ago, he continued to stay there to be close to Val. Val died peacefully on April 15, but sadly, Dan could not be at her side. He had begun to have symptoms of Covid-19 a few days earlier, and he died shortly after midnight, April 17, 2020. Their two daughters and their families said their final goodbyes to Val and then Dan via Facetime, as a hospice nurse in mask, faceshield and gown held up Dan's cellphone. Each was already unconscious.

A life-long resident of New York, Dan was born in New York City to Frederick and Stella Zane. He attended New York City schools, graduating at age 16 to attend Lehigh University. Dan left college to join the army during World War II and saw action in the European Theater, participating in the Battle of the Bulge and in liberating Nazi concentration camps as the war drew to a close. Upon returning the US, Dan attended Fordham Law School, first joining his father's law firm and then working as an attorney in Manhattan for many years. Although Dan and Val moved to White Plains to raise their children, Dan was a true New Yorker who grew up playing football with his brother in Central Park and knew the city like the back of his hand. His experiences as a young soldier helped shape the rest of his life, including his strong sense of loyalty and responsibility. A loving father and devoted husband, Dan's kindness and easy-going sense of humor earned him many friends.

Val was born in Mount Vernon to Shirley and Sam Zuckerman. After high school, she attended the Scudder School for girls. In addition to raising her family, she worked for many years as a medical administrator in various offices in White Plains. She was a master bridge player as well as a lover of the arts and music.

The Zanes are survived by their two daughters, Robin and Nancie Zane, sons-in-law Greg Hettwer and Stuart Charmé, and four grandchildren, Anna Hettwer, Sara Charme-Zane, Tali Charme-Zane and Matthew Hettwer.

Arrangements by West Laurel Hill Funeral Home. www.westlaurelhill.com.