Nella Vallera

Gaetana “Nella” (Pace) Vallera, 83, of East Hartford, beloved wife of the late Guido Vallera, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, after a courageous fight against heart failure. A beacon of warmth and a powerhouse of energy, she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was also a cherished sister, cousin and friend. Her loving, fun and generous spirit brightened the lives of all who knew her.

Nella was born in her beloved Pratola Peligna on February 11, 1942, to her cherished parents, Edoardo and Letteria (Panella) Pace. She will be forever missed by her two daughters, Emilia Gannon and husband John of Coventry, and Maria Vallera Skavicus and husband Paul of Maynard, Massachusetts, along with her treasured grandchildren, Sean and Jerred Gannon, and step-grandson Dr. Ryan Gannon and Christina, Andrew and Jessica Skavicus.

Nella was extremely energetic, intelligent and courageous; that showed us what can be accomplished with determination and persistence. Her kind, loving and compassionate spirit was always a source of comfort for family, friends and neighbors.

She was an extremely talented seamstress, operating her own business all while being a loving and attentive homemaker. She was an accomplished gardener with an abundant harvest of vegetables every year. As a wonderful cook and baker, every meal was special. We will miss her homemade pizza, fried dough and pasta dishes. No one ever left her house hungry.

Her greatest joys were spending time with family and friends, hosting or joining in on card games, bowling, banquets and polenta parties, or just nighttime visits or phone calls.

She is also survived by her brother, Alberto Pace; her sister, Maria DiBacco; sisters-in-law, Irma Galante, Lina Vuoto and husband Isidore, Olvea DiCristofaro, Teresa Vallera and Patti Vallera, her brother-in-law, Aldo Vallera and wife Ninetta; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Nella was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Tony and Salvatrice Pace; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gino DiBacco, Santina Pace, Guilio Vallera and wife Maureen, Federico Vallera, Vittorio Vallera, Cesidio Vallera and Sante DiCristofaro.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks for all her caring visitors and callers, as well as her healthcare team, Dr. Dahhan, Dr Carta, Danielle Murphy, RN and the St. Francis Hospital Hoffman Heart and Vascular Institute team.

Funeral services will begin Monday, November 24 at 9:00 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Lawrence O’Toole church of Maria Reina de la Paz Parish, 494 New Britain Avenue, Hartford. Entombment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations in Nella’s memory may be made to Connecticut Children’s Foundation at https://www.connecticutchildrensfoundation.org/ways-give