Mary Michelena Vallera

Mary Michelena Vallera, formerly of Steubenville, Ohio, left this life on March 31, 2017. She was born April 16, 1939 in Steubenville a daughter of the late Peter & Lucille Vario Buffone. A 1957 graduate of Catholic Central High School, Mary had been employed at Jefferson County Behavioral Health, Ohio Bureau of Employment Services and retired from Jefferson County Human Services as a caseworker. Mary was a member of the former St. Anthony Catholic Church and since moving to Holliston, Massachusetts, she attended services and practiced her faith at the Fatima Shrine in Holliston. Preceding Mary in death were her husband Raymond on September 26, 2000 and two sisters, Anna Walkosky on December 13, 2014 and Lucille Buffone on February 11, 2016.

Mary took much pride in her relationships with her nieces and nephews and her husband’s nieces and nephews, all of whom she felt were a special part of her life. Mary was an incredible cook and was known for her Italian cookies and her love of Notre Dame football. She answered to many names given to her by her beloved grandchildren, nieces and nephews : Gaga, Ginger, G., MiMi and Aunt Mary.

Mary is survived by her daughter Joan and her husband Kevin Stultz of Alpharetta, Georgia; son Dr. Raymond Vallera and his wife Dr. Raphaelle Vallera of Highland Park, Texas and daughter Jean and her husband James Vazza of Holliston. Mary cherished her six grandchildren Kristen Stultz Ethridge and husband John, Kara Stultz, Anthony and Alexandra Vallera, Ryan and Gabrielle Vazza, and expecting her first great granddaughter Charlotte Anne Ethridge. Also surviving is her loving sister JoAnn and her husband Brian Moore.

At Mary’s request, there will be no visitation. Memorial mass 10 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Steubenville, with Msgr. Gerald E. Calovini officiating. Entombment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery (Resurrection Mausoleum) alongside her beloved husband of 39 years, Ray.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Fatima Shrine, 110 Summer St., Holliston, MA 01746 -or- Catholic Central High School.

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