Valentina M. 'Val' (Calvano) Valore, 92 of Grand Island, NY, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on Monday April 23, 2012 in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY. Born in Pedace, Cosenza, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Virginia (Curcio) Calvano.

Valentina came to Niagara Falls as a child with her family in 1924. She attended local schools including the former Trott Vocational High School. On October 6, 1951 she married Joseph Valore at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Niagara Falls. Mr. Valore predeceased her on July 21, 1993. Val began working at the age of sixteen, first at the former Lincoln's and then Kresge's Department Store, and afterwards Kimberly Clark Corporation all in Niagara Falls. At the age of fifty five, she began a nineteen year career at Jenss Department Store located on Main Street in Niagara Falls where she was best known, recognized and loved by her customers. She retired when the store closed its doors in 1993.

Val was a longtime member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Niagara Falls as well as their Altar and Rosary Society, and Bishops Committee. She was also a Tupperware dealer and active with the Grand Island Senior Citizens Group. Val loved being a homemaker. She especially enjoyed baking, cooking and being around family and friends with her cheerful smile. Above all, she adored her son and grandson, and cherished the time she spent help raising her grandson Philip.

Mrs. Valore in survived by her son Philip A. (fiancé Cheryl Agnello) Valore of Grand Island, NY one grandson Philip J. Valore and was predeceased by an infant grandson Jason Alan Valore. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Virginia (Savino) Nanula of Grand Island, NY, Laurie (Calvano) McGuirk, of Michigan, Christopher (Pamela) Calvano of Niagara Falls, NY, Nikki Valore and Philip Marra both of Niagara Falls, NY, her great-nieces and great-nephews, Dr. James (Elizabeth) Mezhir of Iowa City, IA, John (Jennifer) Mezhir of Grand Island, NY, Caitlin Lynas of Midlothian, VA and Carmen Marra of Niagara Falls, NY. She is also survived by many other nieces, nephews and cousins. She was also predeceased by three brothers, Joseph (late Catherine) Calvano, John (Grace of Grand Island, NY) Calvano, and Julio (Norma of Niagara Falls, NY) Calvano, and one nephew Peter Marra.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 3-7 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY, where funeral services will begin on Saturday April 28th at 11:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 27th Street and Independence Ave. Niagara Falls with Rev. Duane Klizek officiating. Entombment in St. Joseph Cemetery Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wings Flights of Hope, Inc. PO Box 872 Orchard Park, NY 14127 or www.wingsflight.org