Valerie Moran, an interior designer, home furnishings developer, product designer, management executive and former director of Grange Furniture, lost her long and heroic battle with cancer on June 26, 2014, and was remembered by the New York Design Center community last week during a special event.

Valerie Moran's tribute event

Industry friends gathered for a small ceremony honoring Moran at the Grange Furniture showroom, where friends and colleagues including President of the New York Design Center James Druckman spoke in her honor.

"There was no one like Valerie. Her strength, her faith, her business acumen, her warmth, her kindness and above all, her selflessness were extraordinary,” said Druckman. “I really still need a little of Valerie. I think we all do."

James Druckman remembering Valerie Moran

“Not a day goes by in life at Grange North America that doesn’t have a ‘Valerie moment,’” shared Heather Ryan, Managing Director of Grange Furniture. “For so long, the two were synonymous. We were, and still are, her extended family. Her tenacity, vivaciousness and passion for life, encompassed everything she did and everyone she touched. We miss her every day but know she will always be a part of Grange and the many people she touched around the world.”

Moran began her career in the industry as a residential and commercial interior designer. In 1985, she began a longtime affiliation with Grange, rising to the position of CEO North America. She also served for a short period as chairman of B&B Italia, America.

Guests remembering Valerie Moran

In later years she consulted on product development, business strategy, marketing and merchandising for several brands, and gave seminars nationally and internationally.

She served as chairman of the Advisory Board for Furnish-A-Future, Partnership for the Homeless. She was a member of Fashion Group International, the French-American Chamber of Commerce, Color Marketing Group, the American Society of Interior Design, Withit, National Kitchen and Bath Association, and the International Furnishings and Design Association, having served as president of the New York Chapter and as chairman of the Past President Council.

Moran was also the recipient of numerous industry awards, including the SPEC and ROSCOE awards. She was the recipient of the 1998 IFDA “Circle of Excellence” award for Marketing, Sales and Research and has been honored as a member of Metropolitan Home’s Design 100.