Elizabeth “Gaga” Lynch Valentino, 88, of Meriden, formerly of North Haven, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 9th, 2021, at the Miller Memorial Community., Meriden. She was the beloved wife of the late Vincent Valentino. Elizabeth was born in Bronx, New York on January 29th, 1933, and was the daughter of the late Thomas and Elizabeth Kelly Lynch. She had an appreciation for beauty, but not by convention, and a heart the size of seven oceans. Elizabeth was an animal lover (especially dogs), and her beloved grandchildren she loved unconditionally. Mother of Elizabeth (Chuck) Manns, Vincent (Nancy Dadio) Valentino, Jr., Patricia, and Jean Valentino. Gaga of Stephen “Mickey”, Anthony (Stephanie), Denise, Tracy, Austin (Lauren), Vincent, Mike, Garrett, and the late beloved grandson Jimmy DePaola. Sister-in-law of Frances Mascola and Vincent Sarsfield, Jr. Also survived by five great-grandchildren, several nieces, and nephews. Predeceased by brothers Jack, Gerald, Thomas Lynch, a sister Rosalie Smith, sisters-in-law Phyllis Sarsfield (who was like a sister to her), brother-in-laws Clemente “Buddy” (Roseanne) Valentino, and Sal Mascola. The family would like to extend a special thank you to her care givers Andrea, Annette, and Sophie at the Miller Memorial Community for the excellent care and comfort they provided to Elizabeth.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Desmond’s Army Animal Laws Advocates, P.O. Box 164, Winsted, CT 06098, or the Animal Haven, inc., 89 Mill Road, North Haven, CT 06473. Services will be announced at a later date.
Gaga (“Bess” to me) was part of my childhood. Jimmy (her husband) was my Godfather. To me, as a child, Bess was always the “cool one.” Always traveling to a beat of a different drummer. Heck, she danced to a whole different band! She was the one who introduced me to JOHNATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL. When others followed the leader, Bess asked questions. She was curious. She challenged. She understood more than most that in order to spread your wings you need to make the space to do that. I believe she is soaring now.
As a child I remember Aunt Bess as the “fun and crazy” aunt! She loved life, nature, animals and had a huge heart! She always had time to visit the kids…even if we were in bed! She was so very “special”! As I got older, I got to know her as an adult. She was still my favorite aunt. You could stop by any time and she always welcomed us with open arms! She will be missed. I am glad that she is at peace. She will always have a special place in my heart. I know that I will never forget her! Love you Aunt Bess
Aunt Bess ,you were the only one who got me…I trusted you with my love ,you did not abuse it ,you and yours loved my girls ,took them in for summer vacations when their own grand mother wouldn’t. I. remember the pony eating out of the bread box. uncle Jimmy sitting in his recliner drinking beers. yep Pond Hill. The garage down road jumping on the car counter that rang the bell. lovin the smell of it all .Aunt Bess told me to read that penguins story ,The march of the Penguins .any way the jist of the lesson she told me was love never dies Barbarajean . ask the penguins. They love for life. and thats how love is .I WILL MISS HER. BUT HER LOVE IS EVER SO STRONG IN MY HEART AND MY Girls’ HEART. THANK YOU LORD FOR THAT GIFT OF LOVING YOU ALL.YOU WERE THE WARMTH IN MY CHILD HOOD .
i just had said good by
Jean we are so very sorry for your loss. Hopefully your happy memories will comfort you in your sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Tom and Fran
I am sorry I never had the privilege to personally meet her but was told so much about her I know she had to be a special caring person because she raised a very caring giving daughter Jean that I am friends with and she also has many of the same qualities. I am sure that she was met by all the angels in heaven where she will spend eternity in peace. Look for that beautiful Butterfly that flies around you or that Red Cardinal she will be visiting all of you. She will always be in your heart…
GAGA I used to come over every Sunday to watch football with pop-pop. You used to cook always asking pop pop what he wanted. It was under appreciated but you were a great cook and all the jokes he used to make. And every Sunday for the longest time it was just us three. That is my fondest memory.
Your grandson,Anthony
Our love and sympathy to Betsy, Vincent, Patty and Jean. Your Mom was one of a kind and had the biggest heart. She would literally give you the shirt off her back. Knowing her was loving her. Love to all, Fran, Jack and Cindy and the rest of the fam.
Always a kind hearted person and Aunt. Never judged anyone. Helped out humans as well as non-human critters. Welcomed those in need including myself when I was a bit lost in my early 20’s. Always did her best to make people feel welcome. Best Christmas dinners ever!
No words can ever express the loss that I feel without you. You were not only my second mother to me since I was a small child but you always were my friend and someone that I could always confided in. You will be with me in my heart forever and your humor will make me stronger as I go through life. Always know that Jean Marie will be taken care of unconditionally, she is a part of me forever.
Rest in peace my beloved mom (Gaga) my heart will always be with you and forever love you.
I have such Great memories of Aunt Bess.
She was quite a character….I would sleep over when my family came up from Fla…PattyAnn
and I would sleep up in the loft with the horses….Aunt Bess would let the Pony Peanuts walk in the house and he would go straight
to the breadbox!! And Aunt Bess speeding
with that little Fiat….what a wild ride……
She was such a giving person that helped everyone…..see you someday in paradise….
Love you….Sally ❤❤❤