Valerie Smith

An Italian grandma "Nonnie" of 20 grandchildren plus one great grandchild, and a mother of her own 10 children, Valerie Smith passed away peacefully in the evening of September 22, 2022, surrounded by family in her home of Sleepy Hollow, San Anselmo. She courageously battled Pancreatic cancer for two years while enjoying every moment she could get with family. Valerie is survived by her faithful husband of 53 years John "Bob" Smith, nine of her ten children Michael, Julie (husband Mark, children Marcus, Keenan, Logan, Nolan), Amy (husband Brad, children Owen, Chloe), David (wife Cara, children Reagan, Abigail), Tina, Sharon (children Taylor, Johnny, Harrison), Jeff (wife Lindsey, children Kensington, Hudson, Logan), Joe (wife Christi, children Lucca, Capri, Micah), Lisa (husband Zach, children Noelle, Avery). Valerie is also survived by her oldest son's (John "Jack" deceased) wife Lynn, their son Sean, Sean's significant other Kenzi, and their child Hayes.As Valerie got closer to departing, she expressed her rejoice in knowing that she would be reunited with those who preceded her, including her parents Valerio and Lorene Cuneo, her oldest son John "Jack", and many other friends and family.A second-generation born San Franciscan, Valerie's grandparents migrated from Chiavari and a small town outside of Lucca in northern Italy. Valerie grew up in the Marina District of SF in a flat directly above her maternal cousin Joe Luchini, the son of Valerie's aunt Alma (102, living) and Alma's husband, Joe (deceased). Later, after Valerie married Bod, they moved to Marin County and continued to live close by Joe Luchini, his wife Maryanne, and their daughters Nicole, Gianna, and Stephanie. Valerie spent much of her younger life in her father's North Beach drug store counting and separating pills, chewing Chiclets, and wrapping packages. Valerie enjoyed childhood vacations to Forest Lake on Cobb Mountain along with half of the Marina District in July's where there was lots of dancing and sunbathing in the "hot box". Valerie attended high school at St. Rose Academy and attained her undergraduate degree from Lone Mountain. It wasn't long before Valerie, an only child, and Bob realized they wanted a house full of kids, eventually settling on ten. Valerie was a dedicated mother and domestic engineer who enjoyed watching and cheering for her children's athletics (mostly swim and water polo). Her favorite family vacations as a mom were Disneyland, Lake Tahoe, and a trip to Italy with her (then 7) children and her parents. She enjoyed sewing Halloween costumes for her children to quilting blankets for her grandchildren. A truly fantastic cook and baker.Sunday night dinner was a staple for many years at Nonnie's and Nonno's where they would prepare large Italian meals for their kids plus their kid's families and friends. Swimming, playing cards, Flys Up, Hide and Seek, dance recitals and more filled her house every week with her growing family. This was her joy; this was her purpose. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Anselm's (where she was a parishioner) Friday October 7th at 11 AM. Valerie will be put to rest at Valley Memorial Park following the mass and then a reception will be held on site at Valley Memorial Park. Valerie loved bright colors (particularly orange), so if you would like to attend the celebration, please wear some attire, or carry an accessory displaying any bright color.