Marie Valenziano
June 30, 1936 – October 8, 2025
With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Marie Valenziano, who passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, at the age of 89, surrounded by her beloved family.
Born in Chicago on June 30, 1936, to Fred and Evelyn Valenziano, Marie was their only child — a bright light from the very beginning. She grew up on the Northwest Side, attending St. Thecla Catholic School and graduating from William Howard Taft High School.
Though she worked for many years in the insurance industry, Marie's heart found its true home in art and dance. A lifelong lover of music, she especially adored Tom Jones, and if there was a beat, she was already dancing. Her energy was infectious, her spirit uncontainable.
Marie was the proud and devoted mother of seven children, each one a reflection of her strength, faith, and creativity:
Kim Kidd (married to Debbie Kidd), Debbie Kidd (married to David Wedell), Kevin Kidd (married to Peggie Kidd), Denise Biemolt (married to Wayne Biemolt), Donna Gibson (widow of the late Dennis Gibson), Deanne Vergara, and Keith Kidd (married to Valerie Kidd).
She is also survived by more than a dozen grandchildren and even more great-grandchildren, all of whom were blessed by her unwavering love and generosity.
A woman of deep faith, Marie was a longtime parishioner at St. Paul of the Cross in Park Ridge. She lived her beliefs through action — regularly donating to children's and animal charities around the world, and always putting others before herself.
Creative to the core, Marie was an artist, a dancer, and a master in the kitchen. She loved sewing, painting, reading, and especially cooking, with her famous lasagna holding legendary status in the family. A natural hostess, she threw unforgettable parties and made every guest feel like family.
Her family fondly remembers: "Give her a string, and she'd make a blanket." That was Marie — endlessly resourceful, artistic, and full of heart.
She shared her days with her beloved cat, Snickers, her little sidekick and constant companion.
Marie will be remembered for her boundless love, joyful spirit, and the incredible legacy she leaves behind in every recipe, every dance, and every grandchild she inspired.
She was a strong force of a woman to have in your life — with a memorable laugh that filled the room and stayed with you.
May she rest in peace.

Please join us in celebrating Marie's beautiful life:

Visitation (Wake)
Monday, October 13 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Skaja Terrace Funeral Home
7812 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL 60714

Funeral Mass
Tuesday, October 14 | 1:00 PM (prayers begin at the funeral home at 12:15 PM)
St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church
320 S Washington St, Park Ridge, IL 60068