Valerie Ann (LaVigna) DeSalvo

Valerie A. DeSalvo, age 63, died unexpectedly on Monday, November 5, 2018 at her home due to a massive heart attack.

Funeral Services will be held 5:00 p.m. Friday, November 9, 2018 at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Maple Lake, with Fr. Dennis Backer officiating. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Valerie Ann DeSalvo was born June 1, 1955 in Port Chester, New York to Angelo and Nancy (Basile) LaVigna. Valerie grew up in Harrison, New York, with her extended family. She attended The Johns Hopkins University where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in the Life Sciences, graduating in three years with the first class of women in 1972. She received her Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. On June 28, 1975, Valerie was united in marriage to John A. DeSalvo in Port Chester, NY. Valerie and John lived in several places on the East Coast before settling down in Golden Valley in 1981 and starting a family.  Valerie worked as a computer programmer analyst for various companies in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas, retiring in 2013. Upon their retirement, John and Valerie moved to their current home on Mink Lake, near Maple Lake, Minnesota. Valerie had many talents, including beading, crocheting and other needlework. She crocheted many items and won numerous blue ribbons at the Minnesota State Fair. She loved crocheting stuffed animals and clothes for her grandchildren. Her loyal and compassionate qualities made her a treasured friend to many and the love and care she provided her family will fondly be remembered.

Valerie is survived by her husband of 43 years, John of Maple Lake, MN; children, Chris of Miami, FL, Stephen (Rehana) of Los Angeles, CA, Paul (fiancé Anna) of Golden Valley, MN, and Veronica of Scranton, PA; 2 grandchildren, Laila and Erfan; and her extended family and dear friends. Valerie was preceded in death by her parents, Angelo and Nancy LaVigna.

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