Jessica Valentino, spoke her mind

Jessica Valentino, 74, died of lung cancer Saturday, March 15, 2014, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes surrounded by her family.

Her closest family is her husband of 53 years, John; her children, Lori and John; and her grandchildren, Zachary, Taylor and Gia. Born in the Bronx, N.Y., Jessie grew up having the chutzpah to speak her mind, making her quite the “piece of work” for loved ones. Cats, marshmallows, wildflowers, murder mysteries and feeding the birds were among her favorites.

Her primary occupation was holding everyone together with laughter, raised eyebrows, New York-accented chidings, smiles and enough homemade meatballs for everyone to have a seat at the table. Jessie loved life with all of her being. She was kind and tough, but mostly she was selfless to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 19, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be held at 1 p.m. at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jessie’s memory to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 163, Salisbury, MD 21803.