Obituary of Lena Valeri

Lena Valeri passed away quietly at her home in Southbury, CT on Monday, September 29, surrounded by those she loved. Lena was born Angelina Helen Nobile on November 11, 1916 in New York. She later moved with her parents and six sisters to Stamford, CT. After attending public schools in Stamford, she enrolled in business school and subsequently took a job keeping the books at Mohawk in Stamford. While there she met and fell in love with Larry Valeri, and they were married September 20, 1941. Their loving partnership lasted 58 years. Lena and Larry set up housekeeping in Darien, where they resided for their entire marriage. It was here they raised three daughters, Jackie Ronning of Simsbury, CT; Donna Mishico of Woodbury, CT and Nancy Furniss of Canton, CT. For more than six decades on Relihan Road, Lena served as the matriarchal hub of the family, which grew to include five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. When, in 1985, Larry lost his sight, it was Lena's strength and character that led her husband and family through this dark time. Throughout her 97 years, Lena was never a bystander but always sought out new experiences, whether it was travel, culture, or cuisine. At age 64 she took up rug hooking and soon was an expert. Her beautiful rugs grace homes from southern California to Prince Edward Island and are still on the move. She was predeceased by her sisters, Petrina Bisacca, Nancy Martinelli, Josephine Shoztic, Florence McDonough, and Frances Hansen. She is survived by her sister Pauline McKale, her three daughters, and 13 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Above all Lena Valeri was a dedicated lover of existence, who modeled for all who knew her what it is to know life for all it's worth. They celebrated her life, which will always be a theme in the stories of their own. The family will receive friends at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien on Monday, October 6, 2014 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A Prayer Service will be held at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home on Monday at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien. We would like to thank Western CT Hospice for their dedication and love of Lena. In lieu of flowers, please perform an act of kindness. www.lawrencefuneralhome.com Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820