Valerie A. Fish, 79, of Syracuse passed away Tuesday, June 16. She was born December 6, 1947, to the late Edward and Irene Lonergan of Syracuse.

She is survived by her son, David (Stacey) Fish; brother, Michael (Tessa) Lonergan; and five sisters: Sheila Narayanan, Sara (Joseph) Parrott, Amy (Bill) McGrath and Colleen (Bill) McConnell; and two grandchildren (James and Charlotte Fish). 

She is predeceased by siblings Mark, Stephen and Matthew Lonergan and Deborah (Bruce) DiCocco. 

An avid reader and researcher, Valerie enjoyed a rich life of historical exploration and preservation. She received a Master’s Degree in Museum Studies and Anthropology from George Washington University and held positions at the National Museums of Kenya in Nairobi, Kenya; the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.; the National Trust for Historic Preservation, The Decatur House Museum, in Washington, D.C.; the American Museum of Natural History in New York City; and the New York State Museum in Albany, NY. 

She will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Dewitt. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Details will be announced once they are finalized.