Alma Victoria Valenti, age 90 of Grand Rapids, went to be with the Lord Friday, October 21, 2016. She was born to Leopoldo and Rose DeBiasi in Brooklyn, NY, on August 30, 1926. A precocious student, she graduated from high school at the age of 14 and went on to get a BA degree from Brooklyn College in speech pathology. Following graduation from college she worked for Allied Stores Corp. as an assistant buyer where she met and later married her future husband, David Valenti. David’s work moved them to the Midwest. They ultimately settled in Grand Rapids, MI. Throughout her life she took pride in her NY roots, often mentioning them in conversation. In her early years, Alma became an avid Brooklyn Dodgers fan. Alma raised four daughters. She was a proud, devoted, loving mother who enjoyed involvement in her children’s lives right up until her death. Informally known as “Oh My” she made a lasting impression upon all with whom she came in contact. She was a principled feisty rule-breaker who had a sharp wit and a loving spirit. She was known for her many successful theme parties. Later in life she discovered a hidden talent for watercolor painting. Her artwork reflected her unique sense of personal style, fashion and even her sense of humor. She was a world traveler visiting Israel, Japan, Italy, France, India, Indonesia and Africa. Alma was a faithful ecumenical Catholic and member of St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church in Ada. She was a founding member of the International Relations Committee of the City of Grand Rapids, Vice President of St. Mary’s Doran Foundation, Board member of the Franciscan Life Process Center, member of St. John’s Guild and Bread Board Guild of Blodgett Hospital, and loyal 50-year customer of Forest Hills Foods. She was preceded in death by her husband David A. (1979) and daughter Victoria (1956). She is survived by her daughters Barbara (Thomas) Jackoboice, Jo Valenti, Mary Ann Boyer, Tricia (Jonathan “Jay”) David; grandchildren Victoria (Mark) Mathews, Tom Jr. (LeAnn) Jackoboice, Grant (Angela) Boyer, Cameron (Rachel) David, Alexandra David; 5 great-grandchildren Cate, Owen, Jane, Lila, and Charlie; sister, Elena Kowalski; also nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Monday 6-8:00 p.m. at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church, 6477 Ada Dr. S.E., Ada, and one hour prior to the Mass on Tuesday. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday 11:00 a.m. at St. Robert Newminster Catholic Church. Msgr. Ernest P. Schneider presiding. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Foundation – Lack’s Cancer Center, 200 Jefferson Ave., SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503, Mel Trotter Ministries, 225 Commerce Ave SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503, or Spectrum Health Hospice, 100 Michigan St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
