Carolyn Ann Valensi

Carolyn Ann (Palumbo) Valensi passed away peacefully on November 4, 2026, at the age of 83 after a brief battle with lung cancer. The beloved wife of the late Jack Valensi, Carolyn is survived by her daughters Lisa Valensi (Brian Tilzer) and Kimberly Valensi (Frank Dolan), and her cherished grandchildren Jackson, Joseph, and Joshua Tilzer and Jolie and Tyler Dolan. She is also survived by her sister Mary Kathryn O’Day and several nieces and nephews. Carolyn was the loving daughter of the late Casper Palumbo and Alberta (Gubitose) Palumbo.

Carolyn was born and raised in Pittston, Pennsylvania. Her parents were the children of Italian immigrants, and she grew up surrounded by her large extended family. After graduating high school in 1960 she attended the Pittston School of Nursing and became a registered nurse. A courageous, independent woman with strong roots in family and faith, she paved her own path. When the opportunity arose to work at a hospital in NYC, she seized it. This decision ultimately became the defining moment of her life.

Her first job was working at Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn. She fell in love with the culture and electricity of the city, made friends quickly, and started a new chapter of her life. She met Jack on a blind date set up by one of her nursing friends and they were married in 1968. Her career flourished and she later became a nursing supervisor at New York Infirmary, where her daughters were born.

A resident of Harrington Park, New Jersey for over 53 years, she and Jack moved there in 1973 to raise their family. While she always worked in some way, she still found time to be there for her girls and volunteer with the Junior Women’s Club, at Harrington Park School, and at the Harrington Park Swim Club to name a few. She was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Victories church. And in recent years she served on the board of Club 60 in Harrington Park.

Despite juggling a successful career and community activities there was never a doubt that family came first with Carolyn. Her heart and home were always open. Together with Jack, they built a life that integrated their different faiths and ethnic cultures. Friends and relatives from around the globe were warmly welcomed into their home and were made to feel instantly a part of the family. Cooking was one of her love languages. One of her greatest joys was preparing delicious meals for friends and family. No one ever left her house hungry; they were nourished by both food and love.

First raising her daughters then welcoming their spouses, and later in life becoming “Hiya” to her 5 grandchildren, Carolyn brought her characteristic warmth and compassion to everything she did. Her love and devotion to her family and friends was unwavering. Her passing leaves a void that is impossible to fill.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ on Friday, November 13 from 4-8 pm. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Victories R.C. Church, 150 Harriot Avenue, Harrington Park, NJ on Saturday November 14 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers the family requests you consider donating to one of Carolyn’s favorite charities, St. Jude’s Children's Hospital or the Make-A-Wish Foundation.