Obituary of MARIE R. VALENZANO

Marie R. Valenzano, 78, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, December 20th, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. A lifelong resident of Stamford, Marie was born on March 11, 1936 to the late Anthony and Mary (Mastrione) Racaniello. She was a graduate of Stamford High School Class of 1954 and went on to earn her bachelor's and master's degree in Education from the University of Bridgeport. Marie taught 3rd and 4th grade at K.T. Murphy for three years and then devoted her life to her husband and children. She was an active member of the Creative Homemakers Club and the Monday Morning St. Leo's Craft Group. She loved traveling, playing cards, reading, crafts, taking trips to the casino, and spending winters in Florida. Much of her time was spent traveling to any destination to watch all of her grandsons sporting events. She was an avid Mets, Giants, and Rangers fan. Marie's most favorite times were spent with her family and especially her grandsons, who were the light of her life. She is survived by her beloved husband, Angelo "Jay" Valenzano, Jr. of 57 years; her loving children, Jeff Valenzano and his wife Nancy, Susan Valanzano Smart; her sister, Patricia Sutherland and her husband George; her grandchildren, Daniel Valenzano of San Diego, CA., Scott Valenzano of Stamford, and Nicholas Smart of Stamford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 27th, 2014 at 11:00 AM at St. Maurice Church, 358 Glenbrook Road, Stamford. Interment will follow at St. John's Cemetery, Darien, CT. Relatives and friends may call at the Lacerenza Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford on Friday, December 26th, 2014 from 3:00 - 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Marie's memory to: Stamford High School LAX (Lacrosse), c/o Lisa Stone, 77 Hobson Street, Stamford, CT 06902 or Babe Ruth Baseball of Stamford, P.O. Box 17151, Stamford, CT 06907