Bethel CCD Teacher, Carol Valentine, has passed at 71

Carol Valentine was born on March 26, 1944 in the Bronx, NY. She crossed over to Heaven peacefully, while at Western Rehab. (Formerly named Danbury Health Care Center) on January 5, 2016. She was 71. She was predeceased by her parents, "Dolly" and Al Venere. She was raised in Bronx, NY and moved to CT in 1969. She was given awards for her artwork in High School, specifically from the Botanical Gardens, Bronx NY. She was a dental Assistant until the birth of her first Child. She taught CCD at St. Mary's Church in Bethel, CT while her children were young. She loved singing, writing music, dancing, drawing, painting, writing letters to family and friends, attending Mass, and visiting with family. She spent many years trying to have her "cancer cure" patented and used to help others inflicted with cancer. She spent the last 50 years of her life in and out of Psychiatric facilities. She spent the last 18 of those years in various Nursing facilities. Her life and marriage suffered the effects of her mental illness. 

She recently suffered from Cancer, which was the cause of her passing. She will never need those facilities again, and is not free of all emotional and physical suffering. Despite her suffering, she never blamed God. She had an undying faith! She loved her Children, daughter in laws and grandchildren with all of her being. They were her whole world! And in turn, they showed unconditional love and support throughout, despite how difficult it was at times. They never abandoned her, nor stopped showing her their love and appreciation for all she gave them, mostly as a single mom following her divorce in 1979. Her greatest gift to her children and grandchildren was her love, creativity, and sense of humor. She was able to write many songs and her desire was to sing them on the radio, become rich and support all of her children. She was able to write and record two songs through Claire Lane Studios in Bethel in her earlier years. Those two songs are called, "He came into my life" and "So much in love with you Hunny." She always said that she wanted them played at her wake, and that request will be granted. However, Carol wished never to die, never to be separated from her children or grandchildren. She was not alone. Her children and grandchildren were by her side. Her son, Alex and daughter in law, Michele was with her during her final breath. 

She is survived by her brother, Ron Venere, his wife Cathy, and their son, Quenten residing in Waterbury, Ct, Her daughter, Evy Brescia and spouse Sonja Grube, residing in Danbury, Ct; Son Glen Brescia and Spouse, Connie and their two children, Connor and Brooke, residing in Bethel, Ct; son Keith Brescia and spouse, Toni and their 3 children Tyler (residing in Brooklyn, NY), Brandon, and Haley, residing with them in Bethel, Ct; Son Alex Brescia and spouse Michele and their 3 children, Renae, Sara and Jenna residing in New Milford, Ct. Also Aunts, Uncle and many cousins and friends. The family would like to thank all of those people who showed her love! Thanks to all the doctors, psychiatrists, and all medical staff that cared for her throughout her life. Especially Dr. Jyothi and the staff at Western Rehab who became part of her family for many years. It was a blessing that she was able to spend her final time with them. 

In lieu of flowers (she always said they die too quickly), Please make a donation in her memory to the "Resident council recreation fund" Indicate "in memory of Carol V in the memo) send to Western rehabilitation care Center (Attention Recreation Dept.) 107 Osborne St Danbury, CT. 06810She always loved the music entertainment and all that the recreation provided to her. We requested a pizza party and her favorite guitar player/singer to have a party in her memory. 

Friends may call at the Green Funeral Home 57 Main St. Danbury on Friday from 1-3pm& 5-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday 10 00 am at St. Mary Church interment will follow at St Mary Cemetery. To sign a book of remembrance please visit ww.thegreenfuneralhome.com.

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Submitted by Bethel, CT

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