Valerie "Val" Pascucci, 65, died Wednesday, January 24, 2007, at her home in Orlando, FL.
Val was born on June 15, 1941 in New York City to John and Olga Freeman (both deceased). She spent the greater part of her life in New Jersey where she raised her two daughters.
Val came to Orlando 13 years ago to make her home near her children. She loved Florida and found great success as a bracelet artist working many craft shows throughout the state.
Most recently, she was a food service worker at her grandchildren's elementary school, NorthLake Park Community School. She was known as "Grandma Val" to all of the kids there and was loved and respected by them as well as her co-workers.
Val was known for her amazing smile and always-bright outlook. It was rare to ever find her down about anything and she continued that brave and optimistic outlook throughout her battle with cancer.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Joe Case of Orlando, FL; daughter and son-in-law, Nadine and Gary Svitek of Kissimmee, FL; grandchildren, Hannah and Molly Case; and her loving companion, Tony Santarpia of Orlando, FL.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 3:15 PM on Saturday, January 27, 2006 Blessed Trinity Catholic Church 4545 Anderson Road, Orlando, FL 32812.
Val will always be remembered by those who loved her. We will carry in our hearts a phrase she used often. "It's nice to be nice." Yes, Val, it is and thank you for reminding us of that.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to VITAS Hospice (www.vitascharityfund.org or 1-877-800-2951) or Denise's Relay for Life team (www.acsevents.org/relay/fl/lakenona) which directly benefits the American Cancer Society.