Geraldine Valella

Geraldine Ann "Gerry" Valella, age 74, of Galesburg, MI died peacefully and surrounded by her loving family, Sunday evening, January 18, 2015 at her residence. Gerry was united in marriage to the "Love of Her Life," Vito Peter Valella on September 7, 1963 in Meadville, PA. She was the daughter of Anthony and Theresa (Sherry) Frisina, and was born on December 3, 1940 in Meadville, PA. Gerry graduated Meadville High School in 1958 and Kalamazoo Valley Community College in 1982. She was a Lab Technician at Spencer Hospital in Meadville and at Mount Sinai Hospital when she moved to Cleveland, OH in 1961. She and Vito started their family in Cleveland and moved to the Kalamazoo area in 1974. Gerry returned to work as a Medical Assistant in 1977 for area doctors. In 1987, she opened Valella's Catering, which she operated for 10 years and retired when the grandkids started arriving. Her faith was very strong and she was an inspiration to all who knew her. Gerry was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church of Gull Lake and participated in various programs such as Discipleship Formation and was a CCD teacher as well as the Chairperson for the Adult Education program. She was also a member of the Jaycees and President of its Auxiliary and a member of the Community Volunteers. In her spare time, she enjoyed cooking, sewing and being involved with the children's and grandchildren's activities - her true passions in life were her faith and her family. Surviving is her husband of 51+ years, Vito; her five daughters, Dr. Michelle Valella of Battle Creek, MI, Lisa Dougherty of Kalamazoo, MI, Deborah (David) Smith of Lexington, MA, Patricia Valella of Las Vegas, NV, and Christina (Kevin) Walker of Constantine, MI; her six precious grandchildren, Saige Valella, Lauren, Drew & Tony Dougherty, and Cole & Cassidy Walker; and her brother, Joseph (Arbuta) Frisina of Meadville, PA. Gerry was preceded in death by her parents. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 23rd at 11 AM at St. Ann Catholic Church, 12648 East D Avenue, Augusta with Father Christopher Derda and Father Leo Cartagena, Con-Celebrating and Deacon Michael Carl, Assisting. Gerry's family will greet friends in the Church Social Hall on Friday from 10 AM until Mass time. Gerry's life celebration will continue with a time of fellowship and a luncheon in the Church Social Hall immediately following the Mass. A procession will leave St. Ann's at 1:45 PM for Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kalamazoo for the Committal Service. Gerry's family will also greet friends on Thursday, January 22nd from 4 until 7 PM at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89), where the Parish Rosary will be recited at 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gerry's honor may be directed to St. Ann Catholic Church; St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Ann's; the American Cancer Society , Southwest Michigan Office, 1400 West Milham Road, Portage, MI 49024 or the Kalamazoo County Child Abuse and Neglect Council, 420 East Alcott Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49001.