Obituary of Dorothy Barbara Valenza

Dorothy Barbara Valenza nee Azar age 94 of Wheeling. Beloved wife of the late Michael John Valenza. Loving mother of Lynette (James) Strobel, Janine White and Charlene (late Scott) Garrett. Dear grandmother of Alex Strobel, Henry (Paige) Garrett and Grace Garrett. Fond sister of 11 siblings previously deceased. Aunt and cousin of many. A private entombment will be held at All Saints Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothy’s memory can be made to Nazarethville, 300 River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018. To leave a condolence or for additional information please visit www.funerals.pro or 847.537.6600. A word from Lynette She was born in 1926 in Akron, OH during the depression, #7 of 11 kids. It was a hard life during those years and as she grew she discovered her love for music and song. When she was 16, she started singing with the big bands of the 40’s and performed in many states across the Midwest. She met my father while singing in a club in Chicago. After Mike died in 76, she took over the hot dog stand at Wolf and Milwaukee for many years. For someone who endured lifes’ hardships, she sure made fun of it when she had the chance! Not only did she teach us about persistence, dedication and hard work, but also how to lick your plate at inappropriate times and have a nasty food fight after Thanksgiving dinner! She was the epitome of stubborn and doing whatever it took to get life done. Sometimes we didn’t like that very much, but the underlying lessons have served us a lifetime. Her love for travel and adventure took her to many places around the globe. I’m so happy to have done a European tour with her back in the 80’s. Dorth, with a liter of beer at Octoberfest in Munich! Cheers! As I write this, I realize how much like her that I have become. I’m proud she was my mom. Rest in Peace, it’s been a long road. If you have a memory you would like share, please add it to the Tribute Wall on this website.