Valerie Jeanne (Howard) Lovegrove
November 29, 1967 - November 1, 2018
Our beloved Valerie passed away peacefully on November 1, after a courageous 9 month battle with breast cancer. She was born in Poughkeepsie, NY, the 3rd child of Edward and Edwina Howard. Her family moved to Sandy, UT in 1976, where she graduated with Honors from Jordan High School in 1985, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Utah in 1991.
Val and Andrew met as students at the U of U and were married on September 7, 1991 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Poughkeepsie. Val’s nursing career began at the U of U Hospital, where she worked on 4 North Cardiology/Telemetry, MICU/CCU, and the Cath Lab. She also worked at CHG Healthcare, returning to the U of U as a Nurse Educator for their Health Plans in her final years. She recently was one of the recipients of the 2018 University and District Staff Excellence Awards.
Val was active as a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Sandy) and had taught Sunday School. With a zest for life that was infectious, she used her coordinating skills for yearly camping trips to Bear Lake with family and kindred spirits. She touched many lives as an RN, and was a great neighbor and caring friend. She loved opening her home to the young people in the neighborhood, and adored her only grandson, Beckam, who called her “Grandma-V”.
She is survived by her husband Andrew; daughters Haleigh Saunders (Braden), and Brittany Lovegrove; grandson Beckam Saunders; father Edward Howard (Suzan); mother Edwina Green; brothers Glenn Howard (George); and Garry Howard (Tracy); 3 nieces; 4 nephews; one grand nephew; along with several aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her brother, Russ Howard.
There will be a viewing Monday, November 5, 2018 from 6 to 8pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Another viewing will be held Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at 10am followed by a memorial service at 11am, and a celebration of life at noon at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 8575 South 700 East, Sandy.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of Valerie for clinical research/trials into metaplastic triple negative breast cancer to https://give.huntsmancancer.org/page/5121/donate/1.
In Loving Memory
I worked with Val at the MICU at the Univerity of Utah Hospital. She was an amazing nurse and a wonderful friend. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. May you have comfort at this difficult time. I am so blessed to have known Val.
Shanna Keele
Fort Collins, CO
I was so sad to hear that Valerie had lost her battle with cancer. Although I didn’t know Valerie personally, I am a friend of her mother, Edwina. I can’t imagine the pain her family is experiencing right now at the loss of this beautiful young woman. I am praying for all of you during this sad time.
Linda Bogenschutz
Salt Lake City, UT
My condolences. I am her cousin. We were a little kid together with her brothers in Poughkeepsie, NY. I misses Valerie, you are very sweet girl! My deep sympathies to her families, Edwina and Edward. I am praying for all of you during this sad time. God bless.
Mark E. Howard
Vails Gate, NY
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you Andrew and your beautiful daughters. I know Val loved you all so much. I worked with her on 4N at the University Hospital. We had such a great group of people there. I will always think of Val lovingly. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan Baer Jenkins
Layton, Ut
My heart goes out to Val's family. She was an amazing woman, a warrior who fought with love, and she lives on in the kindness she brings out in others.
Tracy Altman
Salt Lake City, UT
I worked with sweet Val and what a sweetheart she was. I loved our baseball talks and always forgave her for being a Mets fan. LOL My thoughts and prayers are with her dear family at this time. A great lady!
Tawna Russell
Stockton, UT
I have considered Val a great lady and a true friend for years. My thoughts are with her family at this hard times. She will be missed. Andy Anderton
Andy Anderton
nan, nan
Val was my first friend, after I moved back to Utah. We would walk Haleigh and my Sami to school every day, while our little ones sat in their strollers. Great memories. I loved her zest for life. It was contagious. My heartfelt condolences to your family. May you find peace in the coming months.
Susan Moss
American Fork, UT
I worked with Val on 4North at the U and throughout the hospital over the last 26 years. Val is someone you will never forget because she has a way of making an impact on your life. I loved her honesty, her directness, her smile and the way she made me feel. I thought she would always be around but now only in my heart. With deepest sympathy Marie Magnus
Marie Magnus
Park City, UT
I worked with Val both @ University Hospital & with the U Health Plans. Val was truly an amazing woman with an abounding energy all the time! So sad she is no longer with us - so short a lifetime as she had SO much more life to give. My condolences to Drew & all her family, cherish the wonderful memories you had with Val.
Shirley Belleville
Salt Lake City, UT
Dear Andrew, We are so sad to hear of Valerie's passing. Our family is keeping you, the girls, and your grandson in our thoughts. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Ron & Beau Baker
Sandy, UT
Oh Andrew, I am so sorry to learn of this tremendous loss. You are in our prayers and please know of the support you have from so many friends and loved ones. What a difficult challenge to face in losing the love of your life and the cornerstone of your family. We all love and will pray for you. Fondly, Jackie Riley
Jackie L Riley
Sandy, UT
So sad to hear this Andrew. Be strong. I am thinking of you and your family.
Glen Rutledge
Saanichton, nan