Lisette Erna Valento

Sept. 5, 1920 - May 14, 2009

Mrs. Lisette Erna Valento passed away after a long illness on Thursday night, May 14. She was born Sept. 5, 1920, in Germany, to Otto and Erna Kunde. She was the oldest of four children and especially loved taking care of her little brother, Helli. She was always very proud of her German roots, but just as proud to be an American. She was a survivor of World War II and it deeply affected her life.

She came to the United States in 1951 when she married her second husband, Agozio "Frank" Valento. They were married for 36 years until Frank passed away in 1987. Lisette enjoyed skiing and gymnastics as a young girl. She was an excellent seamstress and designed many of her own outfits, including one that won an award in Paris, France. She enjoyed homemaking, gardening, traveling and world history. But her life's work always revolved around the arts and taking care of her family.

In school, Lisette excelled in the arts and later went on to design the home where she retired, in Shelter Cove, along the North Coast. She was an excellent hostess and cook and made even the most simple meals seem gourmet. She always went out of her way to make others feel comfortable.

She was predeceased by her parents, Otto and Erna Kunde; brother, Helli Kunde; first husband, submarine Capt. Willi Nagel; her infant son, Wolfgang Nagel; and second husband, Agozio "Frank" Valento.

She is survived by her daughter, Brigitte Harper; son-in-law, Kenneth Harper; and four grand-daughters, Kelly, Tracy, Erin, and Jody; two great-grandsons, Devon and Rodney. She is also survived by numerous relatives in Germany. She will be very missed.

A special thank you to the staff at Summerfield for their kindness and compassion toward mom in her last months.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 22, in McCune Garden in Vacaville. Inurnment will be private in San Francisco National Cemetery, Presidio. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Meals on Wheels.

Arrangements are by McCune Garden Chapel, 448-6546.