Grace Evelyn Valentine

Madison - Grace Evelyn Valentine, age 87, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at Cottages of Madison. She was born on Feb. 26, 1937, in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Evelyn Whysner.

Grace graduated from UCLA with a Ph.D. in English and later received a Doctorate in Dance Therapy. She became dedicated to the field of Dance Therapy and came to Madison to pursue her career working at the Hancock Center for Movement Arts in Madison. Throughout the years, she took many trips with her children and family, traveling the world. One of her favorite places to spend time was India, where she had many friends.

Grace was a lifelong member of the Sierra Club. She donated much of her time and money to ecology groups. She loved the earth and worked hard to preserve it. She was also a longtime member of the Society of Friends, supporting the Quakers’ overseas missions. In addition, she was a strong advocate for women’s rights, UNICEF, and The Nature Conservancy. She was involved with many other charities - too many to list - that supported environmental and humanitarian needs across the world.

Grace also truly enjoyed time spent with family. She is survived by her son, Ian Valentine; daughter, Anita (Chris Bott) Lawrence; grandchildren, Conrad (Kim) Lawrence, Alexandra (Joey Stupar) Lawrence, Cameron Lawrence, Felicia Lawrence and Bobby Jo (Tim) Valentine; great-grandchildren, Meikah and Luka Stupar and Meadow and Bo Lawrence; brother, John (Amy) Whysner; and niece, Kate Whysner. She was preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn Whysner.

A graveside service will be held at Natural Path Sanctuary - Farley Center, 2299 Spring Rose Road, Verona, at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024.  

Memorials may be made to an environmental or humanitarian organization of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420