Mimi Valenza Esposito, 94, a lifelong resident of North Haven, passed away peacefully at Connecticut Hospice. She was born in New Haven to the late Thomas and Elvira Valenza. Mimi was predeceased by her gentle, fun-loving husband, Vincent Esposito, to whom she was married for 67 years, and her loving sister, Mary Valenza Iaccarino. Left behind are her devoted daughters and wonderful sons-in-law, Michele and William Briggs of Old Saybrook, CT, and Yvonne and Patrick McGrath of Pleasantville, NY. Mimi’s four adored granddaughters were a source of great joy during her long lifetime: Dr. Mimi Briggs (James) Newman of Long Island, Caroline Briggs (Thomas) Piscatelli of Guilford, Kelly McGrath of NYC, and Aerin McGrath (William) Crawford of Virginia. The girls received an abundance of love from their doting “Grammy,” as they affectionately called her. Newest additions to Mimi’s life are two adorable great-granddaughters, Ava Piscatelli and Juliet Newman. Mimi graduated from Hillhouse High School and Larson Junior College. An avid traveler, Mimi was curious about the world. She worked as a travel agent at Argus Travel for 15 years. She courageously became an entrepreneur at age 50, opening North Haven Travel, a thriving business she nurtured until age 65. Later, she continued to work part-time at Elite Travel. She traversed the Panama Canal; viewed Alberta, Canada from a dog sled; and delighted in sunsets at her most cherished destination, Positano, Italy. A true Italian, food was a language of Mimi’s love and cooking was a passion. Making innovative dishes by intuition and tasting, not by recipe, was her hallmark. Throughout her life she loved to entertain; elaborate cream puff swans were her idea of a typical dessert. Be it a friend in need, a struggling relative, or simply a friendly neighbor, few have crossed paths with Mimi without receiving a box of decadent cookies, delivered in person, and tied lovingly with a bow. Mimi was a beauty with her own unique style. Elegant, stylish, and impeccably accessorized, she never left the house without a colorful scarf or signature silk flower adorning her blouse. Mimi manifested selfless devotion to her family. She would frequently say, she would rather give than receive. She was a compassionate and caring individual to all she knew. The ultimate fan and supporter, Mimi never missed a chance to cheer on her daughters and grandchildren. Mimi will always be in our hearts and on our shoulder, whispering loving words in our ear. 

The visiting hours will be on Tuesday, June 21st at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue 10:00 to 10:45 AM.  A brief service will be conducted in the funeral home at 10:45 AM.  Entombment will follow at All Saint’s Cemetery, 700 Middletown Avenue, North Haven.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mimi’s name may be sent to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT, 06492.