Valerie (Barrocas) Janofsky

Cornelius, North Carolina

June 22, 1946~ June 6, 2026

Valerie Barrocas Janofsky passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026 after a brief illness surrounded by her loving family.  She was a devoted sister, mother, aunt, and grandmother whose creative talents made her a sought-after hairstylist in New York City and later Highland Park, Illinois. A talented cosmetologist and master colorist, she taught other stylists throughout her five decade career. She was proud of her children, Risa and Lorne, and all of their accomplishments.

Born in Brooklyn, Valerie lived in Brighton Beach and Canarsie before moving to Queens, NY.  Her father Louis taught her to navigate NYC’s streets, bridges, and tunnels for his taxi company. Her mother Mae was a homemaker who later worked for the NYC Board of Education. 

Valerie moved with her first husband to the Chicago region in 1974 where she raised her children and continued her cosmetology career.

In 2001, Valerie met her second husband Harold whom she married in 2003.  After Harold’s passing in 2010, she continued to work and stay active in book clubs and volunteering.

In 2017, following her sister Marilyn’s relocation to the Lake Norman area, Valerie decided to trade Chicago winters for a milder climate and moved to Cornelius, NC.  She enjoyed attending book clubs, playing Mah-Jongg, bargain shopping, and walking the trails at Jetton Park.  Once her great-niece Naomi was born 2019, Valerie became a devoted Great Aunt who cared for Naomi weekly and continued to be her fashion stylist.  Valerie held strong convictions on many subjects and remained fiercely independent throughout her retirement.

Valerie is survived by her sister Marilyn Barrocas Nakagawa, brother-in-law Yukio Nakagawa, brother Barton Barrow, children Dr. Risa Gorelick (Fritz Ollom) and Lorne Gorelick, niece Nicole Nakagawa, great niece Naomi Nakagawa, and granddaughter Stephanie Ollom.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Valerie’s name to the Levine and Dickson Hospice House – Huntersville, NC.

The Janofsky Family have entrusted arrangements to Cremation Society of Charlotte.

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