Maria A. Valente

Maria was a classical violinist who was trained by and played at the Philadelphia Academy of Music. She gave up playing professionally to pursue her childhood dream of teaching children the joy of music. She was a beloved music teacher in the West Chester school district for several years, until moving to South Jersey with her family. There, she focused on private music lessons and gaining her student list by word of mouth. During her time as a private teacher, she was able to spread her love of music to hundreds of students, some who later became teachers themselves. Her contagious laughter permeated the room, and she was always the first to start singing during family gatherings. She was a devoted wife to Richard, loving mother to Michael and Lauren, and an immensely proud Mimi to Lyla. She will be forever cherished by those lucky enough to have known and loved her.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on March 28th from 10 AM to 11 AM at Blake-Doyle Funeral Home in Collingswood, NJ, followed by a funeral service at 11 AM. Interment to follow at Arlington Park Cemetery in Pennsauken, NJ. Funeral arrangements by Blake-Doyle Funeral Home.