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It is with great sadness that the family of Shirley "Lee" Valerio, age 87, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, January 28th. She was born March 31, 1931 to the late Anthony & Catherine Fara. She married Vito Valerio in May of 1960 and after 58 years they were still best friends.First and foremost, Lee was a dedicated wife and mother. She took excellent care of her husband and treasured her daughters, embracing every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Grandma and Great-Grandma. She had a wonderful personality and the most amazing laugh. She rarely sat still and was most happy when helping others. She was a devoted mom and wife as well as best friend to her husband and daughters.Lee was born and raised in Berwyn and went to school at Nazareth Academy. For many years Lee worked at Stor Dor Shipping. She was the Executive Secretary to the owner and was highly respected. She also worked at DJ's Sports Bar for 25 years helping with her daughter's business in accounting as well as providing the Complimentary Bears Buffet every Sunday during football season for many years. Lee lived in perfect health without seeing a doctor for 52 years until this past November. The Golden Rule was her favorite saying. She followed it and instilled those values in her family every day. She led by example and that is her legacy to her family. She was a member of the Divine Providence's "Angels in the Alleys" Bowling League where she was an officer for many years. She was a devoted parishioner of Divine Providence Church where she attended Mass every Sunday.Lee is survived by her beloved husband Vito, her three loving daughters, Laura (Dan) Tellor, Dawn (John III) Dispensa, Tracey (Paul) Spotts, her loving grandchildren, Amber (Dan) Watson, Jeremy Tellor, John Dispensa IV, Matthew Tellor, cherished great-granddaughter Isabella Watson, dearest sister-in-law Camille (the late Walt) Zale, fond nieces Kim (Martin) Ruggiero, Robyn (Bob) Benuska, Goddaughter Kathy (Norb) Rennicke and many members of her "Wisconsin" family. She was preceded in death by her parents Anthony (Catherine) Fara, her brother Eugene Fara and nephew Lance Fara, all of whom she loved and touched deeply.Please join us in celebrating her life. Visitation Friday, February 1st from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Russo's Hillside Chapels, 4500 Roosevelt Road, Hillside, Illinois 60162 (Located between Mannheim and Wolf Road). Funeral February, 2, 2019 from Russo's Hillside Chapels at 9:00 a.m. proceeding to Divine Providence Church, 2550 Mayfair Ave, Westchester. Mass of Christian Burial celebrated promptly at 10:00 a.m. Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, Illinois. For additional information call (708) 449-5300. Please visit Shirley's personal tribute website at www.russohillsidechapels.com and sign her guestbook.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Lee. I have fond memories of our bowling together on the same team some time ago. Lee was in fact a very pleasant person, and I still miss her. Those memories will remain with me forever, just like those wonderful memories of Lee's other friends and loved ones.
Tammy Walsh
February 4, 2019
Tammy Walsh
February 4, 2019
I was lucky to have the most amazing grandma. She always made me and her entire family feel special. My favorite memories of her are being a great cook and Christmas Eve at grandma and grandpa's house. She made so many delicious dinners, but my favorite was her awesome salad. I would sometimes drive over for no reason, just to visit and grandma always made me a big salad! Also, grandma loved having the family over on Christmas Eve. I love her unique silver Christmas tree and the color wheel that illuminated the living room! Grandma, Christmas won't be the same without you! I miss you and I love you! Love always, Johnny
Johnny Dispensa
Grandchild
February 1, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. May your lovely and treasured memories help you through this time.
Bev Evak
Beverly Evak
Friend
January 31, 2019
Our thoughts, love, and prayers are with you. May it bring you peace that your dear mother is surrounded by love and LIGHT
Mary and Joe Barbetta
Friend
January 31, 2019
May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this challenging time. (Isaiah 61:1,2) With heartfelt sympathy.
E M
January 31, 2019
My Prayers are with the family.
Robert Govenat
January 31, 2019
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
January 30, 2019
Lee,
Thank you for welcoming us to the neighborhood and for being so good to us. We are blessed to have had you as our next door neighbor. We will always treasure your friendship and you will never be forgotten. We will see you again one day, but until then, may you rest in peace with the Lord.
Love you always,
Erica, Nana, Mom and Joey
Erica Lowe
Neighbor
January 30, 2019
Our sincerest sympathy to the entire family. We remember the friendly visits and family gatherings.
We grieve the loss of our family member Lee. God be with you Vito.
Roman & Susan Kohler
Roman Kohler
Family
January 30, 2019
On behalf of the Westmont Business Community, the Westmont Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau Board, Staff and Members, we share our condolences and sorrow with the Family of Lee Valerio. We keep Lee and her Family in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult of times. We will share in the many memories of our opportunities to know and be friends with Lee and her Family.
Westmont Chamber of Commerce
Family Friend
January 30, 2019
Learning that Shirley lived by the Golden Rule does not surprise us as her daughters, Tracy and Dawn, have followed that example with all the customers at DJ's Sports Bar & Grill. We have only known Shirley and Vito a couple of years but they made us feel like old friends. Our sincerest respect and love to Vito and his family as no doubt, Shirley was a very special person.
Chuck & Edna
Friend
January 30, 2019
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