Mary Jane Celentano

Mary Jane Celentano
Mary Jane LaValle Celentano, 88, passed away on June 21 at Yale New Haven Hospital-St. Raphael Campus, with her children at her side. She was the widow of Joseph A. Celentano.
She is survived by her children, Thomas N. and Michael L. Celentano of New Haven, Joseph A. Celentano, Jr, of Las Vegas, NV, and Mary Elise Moore (Kevin) of Hamden. She cherished her two grandchildren Daniel and Alexandra Moore. She leaves behind several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband and parents, she was predeceased by brothers Salvatore and Joseph LaValle, and sisters Lucille Schrader, Vincenza Pierlow, and Rose Marie Dion.
Mary Jane was born in New Haven on June 4, 1935, the daughter of Joseph and Anna Minichino LaValle. She was a graduate of St. Peter School, St. Mary High School, and New Haven State Teachers College (now SCSU) with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She taught at Horace Day school until becoming a mom in 1959. She returned to teaching in 1972 and taught at her alma mater of St Peter, and then was a substitute teacher in the New Haven Public School system. She then took a position as an office assistant for the State Department of Labor, from which she retired in 1997.
After the death of her beloved husband Joe in 1999, Mary Jane became active in charitable, civic, and church organizations. She volunteered at the McGivney Cancer Center and later joined the Yale New Haven Hospital Auxiliary. For several years she was recording secretary at their board meetings. She was a proud member of the Italian-American Historical Society. She was president of the Notre Dame High School Alumni Mothers Club. She sang in the choir at St Michael Church, where she was a communicant for over 60 years. She enjoyed her time as a member of the church's St. Anne Society and served as president of that organization for two terms.
Mary Jane loved her vacations with Joe, especially their two trips to Italy. On the second visit in 1998 they traveled to Novara di Sicilia, where her father was born. They met her aunt and several cousins. It was one of the most memorable experiences of her life.
Mary Jane's greatest joy was spending time with her family. She loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother, and filled all these roles beautifully. The many friends and relatives who were touched by her kindness, grace, and generosity will never forget her.
Visiting hours will be at the Iovanne Funeral Home, 11 Wooster Place, New Haven from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 25. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, June 26 at 10 a.m. at St. Michael Church. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to St. Michael Church, 29 Wooster Place, New Haven, CT 06511. Share a memory and sign Mary Jane's guestbook online at www.iovanne.com.