Valerie Rinn Marie Martin 2022-2025 Valerie Rinn Marie Martin, "Little Miss Priss," age 2, passed away on June 3. Valerie was born December 20, 2022, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Corrine and Matt Martin.

She is survived by her loving parents and her sister, Matty-Jo, and brothers, Charlie and Mikey, at home. Grandparents Jennifer and Denny Martin of Willow Springs, Missouri, and Valerie Morrison of Sandisfield. Uncles Wilbur (Kristin) Martin of Eminence; Micah (Rachael) of Willow Springs, Missouri; and Jay (Daphne) Martin of Louisburg, Missouri. Aunts Rachel Burdick of Sandisfield; Jennifer (George) Trippe of Eminence; Kim (Darryl) Cole of Eminence; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandpa, Ronald Morrison, and Michael "Rooster" Tune.

Valerie Pinsky, PhD, died in New York City November 21, 2024, of complications from Multiple Sclerosis and cancer.

Her family wrote that Valerie and her sisters "had the great fortune to spend summers in Sandisfield with their grandmother, Franziska Boas, and relatives on her father's side. For Valerie, time there included going to Camp Bonnie Brae in Otis where she excelled in outdoor activities and became a counselor because she loved the place so much. She made lifelong friends during her many years there."

Valerie was born in Baltimore, Maryland, September 19, 1953. She grew up with her family in New York City and attended schools there. After graduating from Barnard College, she pursued her PhD in Archeology at Wolfson College at Cambridge University in England.

Her studies were interrupted by a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis at age 28. However, Valerie persevered, achieving her PhD, co-editing a book, and, according to a colleague, made a lasting impact on the Archeology Department at Cambridge. Another colleague wrote that her dissertation was the "first in the history of Anthropology from a broad, social point of view." It seems likely the works and perspectives of her great-grandfather, Franz Boas, a world-famous anthropologist, influenced Valerie's own work.

Multiple Sclerosis interrupted what was heading to be a significant career in academia for Valerie and one that had promise to have a lasting impact on Archaeology and Anthropology.

When Valerie returned to the U.S., she worked at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C., and later at the Museum of Natural History in New York City. Unfortunately, as the disease progressed she had to stop working. Other creative pursuits like playing the cello were also relinquished.

Her family wrote: "Despite the Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, Valerie persevered valiantly throughout her life. She found enjoyment and meaning in her relationships, despite the trials of this devastating disease. She kept her sense of humor, was loving and kind to all she knew and met. A dear friend wrote, '...she was super sweet, sparky, dedicated and funny. She will be deeply missed.'

'She was a great older sister who introduced us to the music of Pete Seeger and Joni Mitchell and taught us all the camp songs that we would sing in the car on our way to Sandisfield.'

Valerie was predeceased by her parents, Daniel Pinsky and Gertrud Michelson. She is survived by her partner Anastacio Ojeda, her sisters Carol Pinsky and Cynthia Pinsky Jennings (Bill), her niece Zoe Jennings, her aunt Dina (Michael), uncle Ernst, and scores of friends and cousins.

Her family concluded: "Valerie has had many friends and people in her life who loved her and who helped her and us through the years and final days. Thank you to all of you."

A memorial was held for Valerie at the Sandisfield Arts Center on June 28. If desired, donations can be made to Multiple Sclerosis research.