Karen Elaine Valeriani
SOUTH PORTLAND – Karen Elaine Valeriani, 68, passed away peacefully at the Gosnell House in Scarborough on Oct. 5, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones, following a long battle with breast cancer.
Karen grew up and attended Portland schools, graduating from Portland High School. She worked at the South Portland Nursing Home, now Pinnacle Health, as a CNA for the last 50 years. There, she was adored by residents and co-workers. She was known for her bright smile, positive energy, and hard working attitude.
Karen enjoyed spending her evenings socializing with her husband and many friends. She loved spending time with her sisters and shopping. She was best known as “Gigi.” She cherished her time with her daughters and many grandchildren doing activities such as carving pumpkins, apple picking, swimming in her pool, beach days and everything in between.
Karen was predeceased by her twin brother Keith Gardner, parents James Sr and JoyceGardner, brother James Nelson Gardner Jr. and sister Patricia Gabry.
Karen is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Philip Valeriani; daughters, Angela Valeriani and husband Jeffrey Small, Amanda Orlando and husband Matthew Orlando, Christina Gelinas and husband Daniel Gelinas, stepson, Peter Fitzgerald; sisters, Judy Noel and husband Steven Noel, and Bonnie Callaway, brother Warren Gardner and wife Jane Gardner; grandchildren, Ava and Olivia Small, Henry, Giovanni, and Mason Orlando, Liam, Aria, and Lillian Gelinas; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses at Beacon Hospice for providing such great, loving in home care, especially Kati and Michelle. The family would also like to thank the Gosnell House for providing such amazing, loving care for Karen.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion Post 17 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, located at 23 Deering St, Portland, ME 04101. Please come celebrate the memories of Karen and enjoy appetizers and munchies provided. There will also be a cash bar.
To share memories or to leave the family an online condolence please visit, http://www.cascobaycremation.com.
In lieu of flowers,
Karen requested that donations be made to:
Saint Jude’s Children Hospital or to:
Barbara Bush
Children’s Hospital
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