Ann Marie Valenti

In Loving Memory of Ann Marie Valenti

Sunrise: April 1, 1950 – Sunset: September 16, 2025

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well-lived, we share the passing of Ann Marie Valenti (Cuccia) age 75, of Rockford Illinois, who left this world peacefully on September 16, 2025 surrounded by those she loved most.

Born on April 1, 1950 in Rockford, Illinois, Ann Marie brought light and love into the world from the very beginning. She is the daughter of George and Fannie Cuccia (LaSala) and from her earliest days, she was known for her gentle spirit, unwavering kindness, and quiet strength.

After a life long career in banking, she retired from PNC Bank in Rockford, Illinois at the end of 2007. For 36 years she tirelessly solved problems for her customers and developed friendships because of her unique way of listening to people to get to the root of their problems and then offer solutions or unique alternatives.

In her personal life, to know Ann Marie was to be welcomed with open arms, a warm smile, and likely something delicious from her kitchen. Whether she was hosting family holidays, tending to her garden, or simply listening with her full heart, she had a way of making everyone feel at home.

She wouldn't have referred to herself as a “Chef” but she did have a curiosity and a passion for cooking. Her collection of cook books was extensive and another volume at Christmas time was always welcomed by her. She loved trying new recipes and appreciated a sincere compliment. Videos featuring Julia Child or Jacques Pépin always caught her interest.

Ann Marie’s greatest joy in life was her family. Her interest in her ancestors developed into a curiosity which led her to Ancestry.com and hours of research into both her fathers and her mothers family as well as her husband's relatives. She learned the foibles of ancestry research and cared that her work was accurate.

She is survived by husband, Rodney Valenti; her sisters, Rosemary Kerwin (Cuccia), Josephine Gifford (Cuccia); her brother, Phillip Cuccia; her beloved nieces and nephews, Jeff Kerwin, Andy and Rachel Kerwin, Rob and Amy Kerwin, Shannon and Brad Chambers, and Michael and Elizabeth Stiffler. She was affectionately known as “Nana Too” to her great nieces and great nephews, Samuel Kerwin, Elissa Marie Kerwin, Georgi Anne Kerwin, Nash Kerwin and Duke Kerwin each of whom she loved fiercely and without condition. She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Fannie Cuccia, whose memories she carried with her always.

Throughout her life, Ann Marie found joy in the simple things: a quiet morning with coffee, a good book, laughter around the table, and time spent with her husband. She had a special gift for making the ordinary feel extraordinary, and her presence was a steady, comforting force for all who knew her. Her affection for children knew no limits and that was extended to relatives, friends, neighbors and lost children in a grocery store. Her quiet words always put a smile on their faces.

Her final wish was for no funeral and that will be respected.

She always believed in and supported Rock River Valley Pantry and the Poor Clare Colettine Nuns. A donation to these worthwhile organizations in her name would be much valued.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that her love lives on in each of us — in every shared story, every favorite recipe, every quiet moment that feels like her. She was, and will always be, deeply loved.

May God bless her forever.

The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. To share condolences and memories online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.