Angela M. Valentino

MIDDLETON — Angela Marie Valentino (also known as Angela Bemis), of Middleton, died peacefully in her home, cared for by her children, after a brief-but intense-battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer. She departed this life on the morning of Christmas Eve, Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she was preceded in death by her mother, Angelina (Mastroriello) Valentino of Bari, Italy; her father, Dominic Valentino of Bari, Italy; her brother, Jack Valentino of Boston, and her former husband, John J. Rielly of Jamaica Plain.

Angela is survived by her son, John Rielly and wife Carol of Ashland City, Tenn.; her daughter, Linda (Rielly) Grant and husband, Patrick, of Middleton; her brother, Ralph Valentino and wife Mary of Salisbury; her sister, Karen (Valentino) McHardy and husband David of Reading; her brother, Joseph Valentino and wife Patricia of Billerica; and her devoted companion, William V. Walczak of Middleton. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Eric J. Rielly of Ashland City, David S. Thibodeau Jr. of Middleton, Stephen M. Thibodeau of Middleton, and Haley Joy Thibodeau of Middleton. Angela is also survived by her adoring nephews, nieces and cousins, as well as their respective spouses and children.

Known also throughout her life as "Joy," she was the matriarch of the Valentino Family, a devoted sister, mother, aunt and grandmother to her kin, and an abiding friend to many others.

Her interests were diverse and eclectic. She enjoyed the arts, music, movies, literature, theatre and stage performances of all kinds. Angela liked to travel as well. She enjoyed an extended tour of Europe earlier this year; visiting Italy - the homeland of her parents - was especially meaningful for her. And from 1993 through 2000, Angela resided in Vermont, living in many different scenic locations, and making numerous friends along the way.

Angela Marie Valentino will always be fondly remembered for her beauty, sense of style, inner strength, incisive wit, kindness, dedication to her family, and loyalty to her friends, as well as her faith.

ARRANGEMENTS: A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Agnes Church, 22 Boston St., Middleton, on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Campbell-Lee, Moody, Russell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot St., Beverly (North Beverly location), Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. Burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery in Middleton. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.