WILMINGTON — Jeanette A. Valente, known as Jean to family and friends, of Wilmington, died peacefully at her home surrounded by loving family on March 15, 2024, where she called home for over 55 years. She was 94 years old.
Jean was born at Sunnyside Hospital in Somerville on February 1, 1930. She was the dear daughter of the late Angelina and Domenic Morreo and loving sister of the late Dianna Morreo. She was raised in Medford where she attended Medford Public Schools and graduated from Medford High School, Class of 1947.
Jean married her sweetheart, Francesco “Frank” Valente on May 29, 1949. The couple lived in Medford for a few years before settling in Wilmington in 1957 where they built their forever home and raised seven wonderful children. Jean was a force of nature. She was a beacon of strength for our family for decades. Jean will fondly be remembered for her kind heart and ability to make everyone feel welcomed in her home and her unwavering love and devotion to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Frank and Jean were the proud founders and owners of their own construction company, Aluminum Age Inc. in North Reading. They made quite a reputation for themselves with the help of their children by always providing quality work.
Jean enjoyed her summers at their lake houses in Atkinson, N.H. surrounded by family, friends and neighbors. Some of her hobbies included ceramics, sewing, playing cards and baking. She took much pride in hosting the annual “Valente Family Christmas Party,” which eventually was moved from her home to a larger location due to the growing number of great-grandkids. Jean was a woman of great faith and values. She attended Sunday Mass regularly at Saint Thomas Church for many years. She and her husband enjoyed traveling in their motor home. Maine, Florida, and Aruba were some of their favorite destinations.
Jean was the beloved wife of the late Frank Valente; devoted mother of Francis “Frank” Valente and his wife Cheryl of Salem, N.H.; Alexander Valente and his wife Gemma of North Reading; Linda Catalano and her late husband Stephen of Epsom, N.H.; Daniel Valente and his wife Susan of Tewksbury; Pamela Valente of Kensington, N.H.; Michael Valente of New Hampshire; and Charlie Valente and his wife Michele Valente of Wilmington.
She was the loving grandmother of Carrie Shevlin, Kelly Mailhot, the late Jamie Richard, Francis Valente, Alex Valente, Russell Valente, Kimberly Valente, the late Kevin Valente, Tara Whiting, Stephen Catalano Jr., Derek Catalano, Darren Catalano, Amanda Heffernan, Amy Valente, Daniel Valente Jr., Jared Chadwell, Sarah Valente, Michael Valente Jr., Nicole Valente, Ryan Valente, Krystle Valente, the late Ashley Valente and Charles “Tony” Valente, as well as a loving great-grandmother “GiGi” to 37.
Family and friends will gather for visiting hours at Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Sunday, March 24 from 4 to 8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 25 at 10 a.m. in St. Thomas Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeanette’s memory may be to the Parish of the Transfiguration (St. Thomas Church), 11 Harden St., Wilmington, MA 01887. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit our website at nicholsfuneralhome.com.
