Obituary of Rita D. Valentine

Rita D. (Cullum) Valentine, 91, of New Britain, beloved wife of the late Kenneth F. Valentine, passed away peacefully at her daughter's home on November 16, 2011. Rita was born in New Britain on October 8, 1920 to John and Mary Cullum and was a lifelong resident of the Hardware City. She graduated from New Britain High School in 1938. After more than 20 years of service, Rita retired from Central Connecticut State University, where she worked in both the bookstore and Burritt Library. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in New Britain. Rita enjoyed travelling and visited a number of places across the globe including Australia and Ireland, the land of her ancestors. She was an avid fan of UCONN athletics, especially the women's basketball team. She will be most fondly remembered for her loyalty and love for her family. Grandma "Pookie" as she was known devoted countless hours to attending her children's and grandchildren's activities and sporting events. She is survived by her children: Kenneth F. Valentine II of Mansfield, and Karen Francini and her husband Robert LeBaron of Marlborough; grandsons Ryan Francini of Brooklyn, NY and Kenneth J. Valentine of New Britain; granddaughters Sara Francini of New York City and Kelly Porter of Mansfield; great granddaughter Brianna Williams of Mansfield; a sister Doris Cugno of Berlin; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Maurice and Peg Valentine of Newington, and numerous nieces, nephews and special friends whom she cherished. She was predeceased by her grandson Kyle P. Valentine; her brothers James and John Cullum and her sisters Mary Schrager and Eleanor Meligonis. Funeral services will be held Monday 9:00 A.M. from the Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. at St. Francis of Assisi Church Stanley St. New Britain, CT. Her family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Rita's honor to the Kyle P. Valentine Baseball Scholarship Fund care of The University of Hartford, Office of Development, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117.