Valda Moore

Valda Vanessa Moore, daughter of (the late) Wilma Odell Belle Moore and Mack McCloud, was born on Saturday, November 13, 1968 in Brooklyn, New York.  She was affectionately known by her nickname “Shane” all her life.  Shane attended Brooklyn public schools, P.S. 304, J.H.S. 117 and Clara Barton H.S.  She received her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from The Borough of Manhattan Community College, and was currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn.

From a young child, Shane was cheerful, fearless, and outspoken.  She loved music, dancing and playing handball.  Shane was well known as an advocate for her family, friends and loved ones.  She could be counted on to always “have your back” -- whether it meant speaking up, or throwing hands up!

Shane was a serious lover of life, and was always willing to try new things.  Before attending college, she worked at various jobs in the Brooklyn area.  She was employed at a local McDonalds, at New York University’s Ruben Hall Cafeteria and was a Children’s Counselor at the YMCA in the Trey Whitfield School of Brooklyn.   It was at the YMCA that she met the love of her life, Ricardo “Panama” Kingston.

When Shane decided that her goal in life was to become an educator, she began her journey by becoming employed as a child care provider at the Mt Moriah Christian Academy, Brightside Academy, and later at Northside Center for Child Development.  During this time, she enrolled in the Borough of Manhattan Community College and later applied and was accepted as a Paraprofessional for the Board of Education of New York City.  She spent her first two years at P.S. 81.  She then obtained a position at P.S. 9 – Sarah Smith Garnet School.  The staff, children, and parents all came to adore “Miss Moore”.  She looked forward to seeing them every school day in spite of the “trip challenges”.  She especially loved working with Mrs. Gentile and Mrs. Ceara.  The children in her class were especially good in hopes of being named “Lifesaver of the Day”, and receiving her “reward” of lifesaver candy!

Shane loved all of her “children”, but none more than her own.  Marion and Shanessa were the jewels in her “crown of achievements”.  She encouraged her children to follow their dreams and to be strong in this life, never giving up.  They knew they could depend on her at any time in any situation.  Although they moved to other states, they talked and face-timed every day.  Shane and Ricardo loved to travel to visit family, especially to Maryland to see her favorite “cuz” Ross, and to North Carolina.  They were happy wherever they went, as long as they were together.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.