3 min read

Nancy Mable (Leeman) Valiente

LEWISTON – Nancy Mable (Leeman) Valiente, affectionately known throughout her church community as Sister Nancy, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026, at the age of 72 in Lewiston, Maine.

Nancy was born on April 6, 1954, in Lewiston, and grew up in Oxford. She was the daughter of the late Thomas and Dorothy Leeman and was one of seven children.

She is survived by her brothers Richard Leeman, Gordon Leeman and Steven Leeman, and her sister, Dorothy Nurmi.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Janice Leeman, and her brother, Peter Leeman.

After meeting her husband, Irving Valiente, the ever-adventurous Nancy moved to New York City, N.Y. in the mid-1970s. She and Irving were married in 1980 and together built a loving home, welcoming their two sons. In 1995, they returned to Maine, where Nancy continued to devote her life to her faith, her family, and serving those around her.

Nancy was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ whose love for God was evident in everything she did. She was a devoted member of First Assembly of God in Lewiston and later Christ Temple Church of God in Christ in Auburn, where she was lovingly known as Sister Nancy. She found great joy in teaching Sunday School, singing in the church choir, and helping anyone who asked. Whether someone needed encouragement, a listening ear, or a helping hand, Nancy rarely hesitated to give of herself. Her faith was not simply something she believed but something she lived each and every day through acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion.

Nancy shared 31 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Irving Valiente, until his passing in 2011. She was a devoted mother to her sons, Joseph Valiente and Sean Valiente; a caring mother-in-law to her daughters-in-law, Katie and Lauren; and a proud grandmother to Dominic, Angelina, Eliza, and Isabelle. Spending time with her grandchildren was among her greatest joys, and she treasured every opportunity to love, encourage, and celebrate them.

Known for her warm smile, thoughtful spirit, and genuine enthusiasm for life, Nancy made everyone she met feel welcomed and valued. She loved spending time with family and friends, devoting herself to her church community, and enjoying some of her favorite pastimes, including watching Star Trek and Top Chef. She became an advocate for healthy living and exercise, and loved attending CrossFit 196. Above all else, she loved Jesus, and that love shaped the way she treated every person who crossed her path.

Nancy leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, selfless service, and unconditional love. Her kindness, generosity, and joyful spirit touched countless lives and will continue to be felt through the family she cherished, the church she served so devotedly, and the many friends whose lives she enriched. While her family grieves her absence, they find comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband and resting in the eternal presence of the Savior she loved so faithfully.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 1, at 11 a.m. at East Auburn Baptist Church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Nancy’s life.

Condolences may be shared at FuneralAlternatives.net

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the:

Christ Temple Church of God in Christ Sunday School Program or the

Greater Androscoggin Humane Society.

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