Lake Forest Obituary: Eleonor Pia Valentini, nee Gabos, 105

The following obituary is courtesy of Wenban Funeral Home.

Eleonor Pia Valentini, nee Gabos, 105, of Lake Forest passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family May 6, 2015.

Pia, as she was known to her family and friends, was the second youngest of eight children of Maria Zuech and Ferdinando Gabos. She was born in Roswell, Ohio, and raised in Cles, Trento, Italy, where she resided until the age of eighteen. Pia returned to the United States where she married Angelo Valentini, and raised two children, Mary and Lawrence. She has lived in Illinois for 35 years and has enjoyed spending the winters in Florida with her daughter Mary and son-in-law Al, with whom she most recently lived.

Pia was an excellent cook. Especially during her days in New York, her kitchen was always filled with people, laughter, and delicious food. She enjoyed sewing and created beautiful embroideries that she learned to create from the nuns in Italy as a young girl. Her deep faith shone through in her consoling words and compassion to many. The deprivations of growing up in the midst of World War I in the Italian Alps forged her strong spirit, serenity, and deep faith. It seems that everyone who met her loved her, as she genuinely returned their affection. Nonna Pia was a constant presence in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always actively involved in their activities and interests. Her great-grandchildren interacted with her without any mind to her age. She loved each of them and took great interest in their lives, attending orchestra and choir concerts, swim meets, graduations and special events in which they were involved. Her energy and vitality superseded her years.

Pia was preceded in death by her husband, Angelo, in 1987. Mrs. Valentini is survived by her daughter Mary (Al) Moresco, son Lawrence (Joanne), grandchildren Celeste Moresco, Susan (Brent) Lewin, Laura (Hernan) Fonseca, and great-grandchildren Victoria Pia Hagan, Andrew & Eric Fonseca, and Isabella Pia Lewin, in addition to many nieces & nephews.

Visitation Sunday May 10th from 5-8 pm at Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest, and also at church from 9-10 AM immediately preceding funeral mass at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick Church in Lake Forest. Interment in Queen of Heaven cemetery in Hillside. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Retirement Fund, 1410 N. 37th Avenue, Melrose Park, IL 60160 are very much appreciated.