Valerie Lytle Gunning

Valerie Lytle Gunning, born in Buffalo, NY, on October 16, 1935, died peacefully of natural causes on July 4, 2025, in Rhinebeck, NY, at 89 years of age with her daughters at her side.

A distinguished professional, humanitarian, and entrepreneur, who believed in the importance of contributing to society, Valerie was the first of three children of William E. and Emily P. Lytle. She graduated magna cum laude from Mount Holyoke College with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1957. In 1976, she earned a master’s degree in business policy from Columbia Business School, Columbia University. A lifelong feminist, she was a fiercely independent thinker and broke new ground for women wherever she went. Valerie’s life was a testament to her dedication, intelligence, and compassion. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Valerie started her professional career in 1957 as a research analyst for United Trust Company in New York, NY. Following the births of her children, from 1969–1978, she was President and co-owner of Crocus, a children’s clothing and specialty store beloved by the community in Brooklyn Heights, NY. She then held positions at Doubleday Book Club, Summer Weekly Reader (Xerox Education Publications, later Field Publications), and Save the Children, before becoming a certified financial planner, working first at CIGNA, then American Express Financial Advisers. After retirement, she volunteered her time and energy for social and political causes.

Valerie was a devoted member of the Unitarian Universalist Church. She served in leadership roles and the Women’s Alliance at the First Unitarian Church in Brooklyn Heights, NY, and at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Westport, CT. Later, she was a member of the First Parish of Brookline, MA, and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills in Kingston, NY, where she moved after her retirement. She was also a cat lover, an enthusiastic vegetable gardener, an avid reader of murder mysteries, and enjoyed English Country dancing.

Val was married to James R. Gunning from 1960–1975. Following their divorce, she raised three kids largely on her own as a single mother. She is survived by her children, Christopher “Kit,” Stephanie P., and Claire P. Gunning (Jay Osofsky), and one granddaughter, Maren K. Gunning. The family deeply mourns her loss.

As an expression of sympathy for the family, memorial contributions in Valerie’s name may be made to Planned Parenthood of Greater New York (https://www.weareplannedparenthood.org) and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York (https://regionalfoodbank.net).

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