In Memory of Mary Elizabeth (Skelly) Valentine

Obituary

Mary Elizabeth (Skelly) Valentine, 91, of New Hartford, NY peacefully passed on Saturday, May 17, 2025. She was born in Utica, NY, daughter of the late Patrick Henry Skelly and Margaret Alice (Fitzsimmons) Skelly. Mary Liz graduated from SUNY Oswego, where she met her college sweetheart, Dave Valentine. They were married on July 13, 1957 at Blessed Sacrament Church, Utica, NY. Mary Liz was an amazing mother, who raised six children with Dave. She was a primary school teacher over the years, teaching second grade in the Utica City School District and kindergarten at New Hartford Central School. Mary Liz was very involved in her community and an activist for peace and social justice, inspired by her interfaith studies. She was a long-time member of St. John the Evangelist Church in New Hartford and Historic Old St. John’s Church in downtown Utica. After retiring from teaching, she volunteered for the Utica City School District's Reading Tutor Program and was a supporter of the Thea Bowman House. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and visiting family around New York State. Camping trips to Nick’s Lake and Cape Cod during summer breaks was a family tradition. Among many other wonderful things, Mary Liz will be remembered for bringing joy to others with her singing, and her practice of kindness, compassion, and peacefulness every day of her life.

Mary Liz is survived by her husband, David N. Valentine; children, Margaret (Bill) Freese, Michael Valentine, Ann (Sal) Zumpano, Monica Crumrine, John (Julio) Castillo, and Kathleen (Karen) Valentine; grandchildren, Alice Freese, Maeve Freese, Peter (Katy) Zumpano, Gabriel Zumpano (Angela Hargis-Villanueva), Bernadette Zumpano, Andrew (Julia) Crumrine, Sarah Crumrine, and Matthew Crumrine; great grandchildren Seraphina, Adriana, Domenech, and Violet. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Patrick Ferriter, and many cherished nieces and nephews. Mary Liz was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Patricia (Fran) Bick, Ann (Bill) Jenny, and Rose Ellen Ferriter.

A celebration of life at the convenience of the family will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, friends may consider donations to the Thea Bowman House (theabowmanhouse.org) or a charity of your choice.

Online messages of sympathy may be left at www.fwefh.com

Arrangements are in the care of Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, New Hartford.