OBITUARY: Loretta A. (Buda) Valente, 85

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Loretta A. Valente (Buda), age 85, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Loretta was born on July 28, 1937, in Waltham, MA; she was the cherished daughter of the late Anthony and Antoinette (Sacca) Buda. Loretta was raised and educated in Belmont, MA, and was a graduate of Belmont High School with the Class of 1955. As a young girl, Loretta enjoyed going to the roller rink with her friends and she excelled at figure skating.

Loretta married the “love of her life” Rocco “Rocky” Valente on November 30, 1957 and in 1958 they welcomed the first of their 10 children. Loretta and Rocky moved to Wilmington in 1968 where they made a wonderful home and raised their beautiful family. Loretta showered her family with unconditional love and devotion; she encouraged her children to do their best, reach for their goals, and she was always there to lend a hand or an ear whenever needed.

Loretta enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren; she attended countless school and sporting events, recitals, birthday parties and special celebrations; she always beamed with pride at their accomplishments and was always their biggest fan.

Loretta started her career at John Hancock Insurance Company where she worked for many years; as her family grew she switched to the night shift so that she could raise her children and be a constant presence in their life. Loretta then took a position as a Customer Service Representative for the Converse Company. Loretta’s great personality along with her people skills made her quite an asset in her field. Loretta made many wonderful friends with her co-workers as well as their families throughout the years.

In her spare time, Loretta, enjoyed sewing, crafting, and quilting; she had quite a talent and shared her expertise as well as her beautiful creations with family and friends.

Loretta also loved to go dancing, see shows at the North Shore Music Theatre, and travel with her husband. Some of their more memorable trips included the Grand Canyon, Italy, cruising to Alaska, and visiting family in Florida and California; Loretta enjoyed seeing new places, meeting new people, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Loretta will be fondly remembered as a beautiful lady, inside and out; she had a great sense of humor, a generous spirit, and a heart of gold. Loretta loved unconditionally and will forever be loved and missed by all.

Loretta was the beloved wife of 66 years to Rocco Valente, devoted mother of Angela Valente Romeo of Nashville, TN, Annette Strand & husband Bob of Billerica, Lucia Carlson & husband Michael Marquis of Tewksbury, Teresa Ayer & husband John of Pepperell, Paul Valente and Joan Logee of Westford, Michael Valente of Oviedo, FL, John Valente of Medford, Donna Schulz & husband Joe of Oviedo, FL, Kristina Saunders & husband Ken of Pooler, GA, and Annemarie Melendez & husband Pablo of Orlando, FL. Loving grandmother of Ryan Carlson, John Arnold III, Matthew Carlson, Jessica Philbrook, Tayla Martell, Alixandra Martell, Brianna Valente, TJ Martell, Samantha Ayer, Nikolas Schulz, the late Victoria Valente, Gavin Anderson, Joey Schulz, Aalyah West, Cameron Saunders, Emma Saunders, Amiya Valente, as well as 12 great-grandchildren. Cherished daughter of the late Anthony & Antionette (Sacca) Buda, dear sister of Virginia Schaufus.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Friday, June 2nd at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Dorothy’s Church, Main St. (Rte. 38), Wilmington, at 10:00 a.m. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting Hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday, June 1st from 4:00-7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Loretta’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.