Valerie Rose Rossetti

Valerie Rose Rossetti (Vantroba) passed away peacefully with her husband at her side at her home in Phoenix on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at the age of 75. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Valerie is predeceased by her parents Julia and Andrew Vantroba and her brother Robert. Valerie is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Raymond. They were married in Chicago Heights, Illinois on August 17, 1957. She is lovingly remembered by her children Janice, Karon, Nadyne, Michael and his wife Dawn; her grandchildren Nicholas, Bobby, Derek, Amanda, Joshua, Cayla, Julia and Jacob; her great-grandchildren Scarlett, Clover, Kamryn and Abagayle; and her nieces Ronda Lane and Robin Earp.

Valerie was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois on August 11, 1939. She graduated in 1957 from Bloom High School. In school she participated in drama, cheerleading, and the Girls’ Athletic Association. Valerie was a home-maker and a head cashier at a large Chicago grocery store. She then became a Customer Service Rep with Manpower Employment Agency. Val and her husband moved many times during their marriage and lived in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. In 1988 she was transferred to the Phoenix area. In 1989 she decided it was time to retire. Golf then became one of her greatest passions. Val was a voracious reader, an ardent bowler, enjoyed playing racquetball and travelling. Val has traveled all over the world. She was an avid card player and never turned down a game whether it was with her family or at the local casino. She also loved to shop; anytime, anywhere – if there was a bargain to be had, she was there. Val was also a long time active member at St Paul’s Catholic Church serving as Eucharistic Minister. She has also been active with the Cave Creek Women’s Golf Association for over 20 years and has previously held positions on the executive board. In 1972 Val received the Ford Motor Company’s Town Crier Award for her outstanding contributions and work in the community (PTA, school activities and with the Girl Scouts). She even volunteered to be a chaperone for a trip to Washington, D.C. with 22 Scouts.

A memorial mass and celebration of Val’s life will be held at St. Paul’s Church, 330 W. Coral Gables Dr., Phoenix 85023 at 10:00 a.m. on January 16, 2015. A reception will take place immediately after the mass. We will be sharing stories with family and friends, just as Val did for so many years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Organization. Condolences for the family may be offered online at shadowmountainmortuary.com.

“We shall miss your beautiful smile and quick wit. You were a ray of sunshine that brightened our day.”