Violet (Baia) Valente

Mrs. Violet (Baia) Valente, age 95, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2006, at the St. Joseph Nursing Home where she currently resided. Her loved ones were by her side at the time of her passing. Born in Utica on October 1, 1910, Violet was the daughter of the late Alarico and Antoinette (Maltese) Baia. She was raised and educated locally. On July 20, 1926 she was united in marriage with Louis R. Valente, with whom she shared a loving union of 59 years, until his passing on October 18, 1985. Violet and Louis were well-suited to one another and maintained a shared devotion to their daughters. Violet was a conscientious machine operator at Kenwell Sporting Goods until 1959. The prime focus of her life was her family. A woman of great strength of character, she devoted herself to her daughters, and especially to her grandchildren. She was charitable, and giving of her time, talents, and compassion, and was blessed with a well-balanced temperament. In her leisure time, Violet had an enduring passion for sewing and crocheting and she bestowed beautiful remembrances of her handiwork on her family; who was a premier baker and a cultivated cook. Violet embraced all the responsibilities in her life with fortitude. She was loved and respected for her positive persona, and her true dignity and elegance. A fair person, Violet lived each day until her last, with a complete awareness, which was the greatest accomplishment of her life. The later years of her life were a true blessing and testimony to her wonderful ways. A woman of true commitment, she was non-judgmental, and had an optimistic approach. This is what attracted others to her. She was devoted to her religion, and attendance at daily mass was important to her spirituality. She was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Mrs. Valente is survived by her devoted daughter, Antoinette Vidoni of Utica. Always remembered was her son-in-law, Edward Vidoni, who predeceased her. Also, she mourned the loss of her daughter, Theresa Arcuri; surviving is her son-in-law, Philip Arcuri of Utica. Adored by her grandchildren: Patricia and Michael Hall, Janice and Frank DeGiglio, Tom Vidoni and Denise Fusco, Linda and Norman Daucette, Phyliss Ross, Louis R. and Donata Arcuri, and Philip Jr. and Nancy Arcuri. Violet was blessed with numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, with a special closeness to Victoria Barton; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She was favored with many wonderful friends, neighbors, and fellow residents and their families at the St. Joseph Nursing Home. She was predeceased by a brother, Prisco “Jim” Baia; and three sisters, Antoinette Marano, Florence Calenzo, and Edith Pooley. The family extends its most sincere appreciation to the Carmelite Sisters of St. Joseph Nursing Home, especially Sister Patricia, and Sister Roberts; the administrators, the nurses and staff, especially the 2nd floor; and Reverend David Sambor, of the St. Joseph Home, for their attention and abilities to care for Violet with so much love. Visitation will be held today (Friday) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Mrs. Valente’s funeral will commence on Saturday morning at 8:30 from the funeral home and at 9:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Violet (Baia) Valente

October 1, 1910 - September 14, 2006