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Jean Valentino Obituary
Found peace with God at the age of 56 on Saturday, August 25, 2012 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Beloved fiancé of Richard Doria. Loving mother of Scott (Desiree) Firle. Proud grandmother of Brynn Firle. Survived by her loving parents, William and Dolores Hornickel, dear brother Jeff (Jody) Hornickel, and loving sisters Judith (Gerald) Vogler, Jackie (Duane) Kalvoda, Joy Czerwinski, and Jill (Dan) Hennessey. Further survived by Raphael and Mary Bear (in-laws of her son Scott) and numerous relatives and friends…After earning her Bachelor's degree from Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and her Master's Degree from Northern Arizona University, Jean touched countless lives as a high school and community college English teacher in the greater Phoenix and North Canyon school districts over a devoted 25 year tenure! Jean was so very giving-she loved interacting with her students and was very intent on providing guidance that would enhance their lives! Her favorite pastimes included listening to inspirational Christian music, reading, hiking, and creating culinary delights for her family and friends!…Jeannie…You will always be fondly remembered for the extra special ways that you touched our hearts and brought joy to our lives-You will be greatly missed! Memorial Service: Saturday, September 8 at 11:00 AM at Messinger Indian School Mortuary, 7601 East Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85251, Reception to follow immediately after service.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jean Valentino
Deborah Ortiz
May 18, 2025
Jean you were light and love with a bright and caring spirit. I loved your smile and talking with you. Your sincerity, integrity and grace are certainly delighting the angels. I think of you, and am reminded of your kind heart often. Prayers and love to all of your family.
Robin Ozz
September 1, 2023
Still think of Jean often.
Susan Transon
September 1, 2022
I miss you Jean Valentino. It was a pleasure working with you and how great you were with your students. You are truly missed.
Richard Doria
September 1, 2020
I still get tears in my eyes whenever I see the photos of her smile and love of life and family. Miss you, and I will always miss you.
Shari Mindlen
September 23, 2012
My heart goes out you Scott, Richard and Douan and Jacki and the rest of the family. I only know Douan and Jacki from the Meridian. Jean may you rest in peace. You will be missed. The memorial was a befitting tribute to a beautiful woman with a wondrous heart. Jean, Maxx, Oliver and I will miss our walks with you and Mia at The Meridian. And we know that you and Mia are in good hands.
David Howard
September 13, 2012
We (The Howards) are very sad to have heard this news. Our hearts go out to your family and we wish you the strength to eventually find peace in this most trying time.
Jackie & Duane Kalvoda
September 11, 2012
Our beautiful sister Jeanne, you were our Phoenix sunshine. The times we spent with you here in Phoenix and back at home in Milwaukee were incredible. It is hard at this time to even think of life without you but remembering your smile, the joy you brought to us and others will hopefully ease this intense pain.We know you will always be by our side and watching over us, we love you more than you'll ever know.
Julie
September 11, 2012
My deep condolences to Jean's family and friends. She was a sweet, kind, and caring lady. I enjoyed chatting with her in the gym at our condo complex, and I was impressed that she always recalled our most recent conversation even though sometimes we wouldn't see each other for months. She was excited for me when I was expecting and spoke enthusiastically about her own family and granddaughter. I was very saddened to see the news of her passing.
Brittany Poling
September 10, 2012
My sincerest condolensces go out to Ms. Valentino's family & friends.
I first met the amazing Mrs. Quale as a Freshman in High School and loved her from the very start. She made a huge impact on my high school career and I have so many heartwarming memories of her.
Ms. Valentino was always so selfless and kind- hearted. For example, she once purchased a yearbook for one of my friends when her parent wasnt able to and didnt think twice about it.
My greatest memory of Ms. Valentino, with respect to her fiance, was her humoring affection for Denzel Washington. She never failed to make us laugh even when we knew she wasnt having the greatest day.
My heart goes out to her current students who I a know are also heartbroken by this tradegy.
Rest in Peace, Ms. Valentino. Thank you for being the most fun and vivacious teacher a girl could ever ask for! :)
Mike, Debbie, Andy & Bill Behling
September 10, 2012
Dear Scott,Des,Brynn and Hornickel Families,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We pray in time, the good times will replace these tough ones.
God Bless all of you.
Ramona Howard
September 9, 2012
Jean, you will always remain beautiful. May God hold you in his peaceful arms. “And we wept that one so lovely should have a life so brief;”
? William Cullen Bryant
Robin Ozz
September 8, 2012
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord;and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.
Dee Foss
September 8, 2012
I wish I could be there with all of you today. Jeannie was such a special person. So sad to see you leave us so early. You will be deeply missed. Thanks for the memories. Love you.
KAREN BATCHELOR
September 8, 2012
JACKIE AND DUANE ARE NEIGHBORS AT THE MERIDIAN AND THO WE DID NOT KNOW JEAN, WE KNOW SHE AND JACKIE WERE VERY CLOSE. OUR HEARTFELT PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU TODAY AND IN THE WEEKS AHEAD.
ONE OF THE "POOLIES"
SINCERELY,
KAREN AND SKIP BATCHELOR
Joy Czerwinski
September 8, 2012
I cannot believe I will not see you again with my earthling eyes. I was sitting in the old cottage yesterday, alone,almost half expecting you to walk in. Though I will see you again.. . with heavenly eyes next time.
Scott Firle
September 8, 2012
Mother you will be missed more than you could have ever known.
Karen Azari
September 7, 2012
I am so saddened at the passing of a wonderful, caring, classy lady. Jean and I started our teaching years together at North High School in ESL and enjoyed the year we shared a classroom together. We also enjoyed the times we spent together with our sons, David and Scott, and will especially remember the years we would go at Christmastime to downtown Phoenix. You definitely left us a lot of fond memories. We will miss you terribly on this earth but are comforted in knowing that you are back in God's loving arms. So long my dear friend.
Kathleen and David Mould
September 7, 2012
Our deepest condolences to the entire Firle family and Richard Doria. We met Jean when we moved into Unit 138 at the Meridian Condominiums in 2005. Jean, lived in Unit 238 immediately above us. We soon became good friends and neighbors caring for each others' properties when either of us were out-of-town. Jean was a great lady and will be sadly missed. R.I.P.
Jean Davis
September 7, 2012
I consider myself fortunate to have known and worked with Jean. She was a gracious, kind, and sensitive friend. I enjoyed talking with her about our childhoods, our own families and the passages in our lives. I admired her dedication to her students, and her ability to make a classroom feel like home. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
I will Always remember you Ms.valentino, you were more than a teacher a freind. i will never forget your smile.
reyna garcia
September 7, 2012
Marla Possell
September 7, 2012
My heartfelt condolences to Scotty, Desiree, Brynn Firle; the entire Firle Family and Richard Doria on our beloved Jean's departure.
Jean and I met at Alverno College. We became friends ever since. I recall the first time I saw her. She walked to the commons with her books and bag on one hand and with little Scotty on the other.
Scott was her love. She loved him so much that her life revolved with Scotty. She wanted to provide him with a great life.
She was widowed so young. She had the strength that made her most admirable. She was beautiful, inside and out. She was funny, and always wore a huge bright smile.
She loved her parents,her sisters and family. She worried about her parents.
She loved Desi and of course her life was much brighter when Brynn was born. Brynn completed her life.
I am happy she met and found happiness with Richard. She deserved the best life could offer.
I am so sorry to hear that our Jean is gone. What a terrible loss to all of us.
I love her dearly, God rest her soul and grant her eternal peace.
May all the wonderful memories we shared bring healing so we can one day understand this devastating loss.
Adios mi amiga linda y querida!
Marla & John Possell
Milwaukee, WI
Audrey Webb
September 7, 2012
Scott & Desiree are my friends and I know they loved their Mom. You will be very, very missed but rest knowing that your loved ones will be well supported by family and friends. R.I.P. Jean
Scott Firle
September 7, 2012
Jacob Van Houten
September 7, 2012
Jean you will be greatly missed you were a great mother and I am happy to have had you in my life.
September 7, 2012
Jean, every morning we crossed path in the halls of North Canyon. I admired you as a classy lady who was a great influence over her class. As a teacher the mood set in your class relaxed the students and created a positive environment which reflected you. I will miss that smile, that positive attitude but most of all I will miss you. May God be with your family at this time and give them peace that surpasses all understanding. Blessings
Kelvin W. Reece
Kelvin W. Reece
September 7, 2012
Jean, Every Morning we saw each other in the hallway at North Canyon. I admired you as a class act that was a great influence with your classes. As we spoke we both new our assignments and proudly went our way. As my co-Worker I will Miss that smile but I will remember my assignment, with a smile, as I continue to go my way. Loving Memories, RIP ~ Kelvin W. Reece
Marisol Leto
September 7, 2012
I will miss Jean dearly. She was beautiful, compassionate, talented and generous. I saw these attributes in how she lived her life, lived out her faith, cared for her family, and cared for her students. I will miss her soothing voice and kind words. I will miss working with her and learning from her. It is our great loss.
Keli Fitzekam
September 7, 2012
You are so missed here at North Canyon. May God Bless you and your family.
Jean with her sisters, Jackie, Judy, Joy, Jill and their Father William
Scott Firle
September 7, 2012
Jean and her loving fiance, Richard
Scott Firle
September 7, 2012
Scott Firle
September 7, 2012
Viridiana Luque
September 7, 2012
Jean I will miss you so much, you were a wonderful person and very loving :( R.I.P.
Darleen Piccione
September 7, 2012
Jean you were one classy lady and I will miss your smile everyday.NCHS has lost a wonderful an caring teacher.My prayers go out to you and your family.
Jean, her granddaughter Brynn, Daughter in-law Desiree and her son Scott
Scott Firle
September 7, 2012
Jean and her son Scott
Scott Firle
September 7, 2012
Jean Valentino
Scott Firle
September 7, 2012
Richard Doria
September 7, 2012
The light of my life is out. She will always be with me.
Nancy Hushek
September 7, 2012
Jean, I was so lucky to get to work with you at North Canyon High School. You were such an inspiration to all of the students and teachers. We will all miss you!!!
PS Don't forget no one will drink your half and half marked breast milk, lol.
September 7, 2012
Life...so fragile, Loss...so sudden, Heart...so broken,...in the wake of such a loss, we are faced with things we don't, and may never understand. Yet the solace we seek may not come from answers. So, we look for comfort in the belief of love's everlasting connection. May that love lift you and hold you close, and give you peace. We will always remember her radiant smile!
-Your Caring Staff at Gerry Vogler's
Susan Transon
September 7, 2012
Jean ~ Heaven has received another angel ..... I will miss you so. You loved and respected your students. You always had a smile and cared about others. I will miss you so much Jean. All my love and strength to the family. We are all here for you.
Bruce Vivers
September 7, 2012
It was an honor to work with Jean. My prayers are with her and her family
Michael Moran
September 7, 2012
You are forever in our thoughts and prayers, Jean. May you rest in peace.
Rich Redding
September 7, 2012
My family and I are praying for comfort and peace for your family. Jean was such a joy! She and I delighted in talking about our sons!! My son is 3 and she loved talking about her son growing up. She brightened my days at North Canyon, every time I saw her! Just a few weeks ago she asked about my son, with a twinkle in her eyes! Such a blessing to know her!! I love you Jean!
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Messinger Mortuaries- Indian School Mortuary7601 East Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
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