Charlene A. Valente

Charlene A. (Knapp) Valente, 68,  of Colchester, CT, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma.

Charlene was born on July 23, 1954, in Southington to the late Edward and Gladys (Uliasz) Knapp. She was raised in Southington and then moved to Fairfield where her children grew up. She then moved to Colchester, CT and recently moved to Palm Beach Gardens, FL to be closer to family.

Charlene cherished her family dearly and enjoyed every moment she was able to spend with her grandchildren and great-grandson, Joey. She was an exceptional mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who cared deeply for her family and friends. She did this not out of obligation but because of who she was. Her dog Lucy of 13 years was one of her greatest joys and one of her best friends. Charlene also had a passion for cooking and was always complimented for her delicious meals. It was important to her that there was a homemade meal on the table for her family every single night and that’s exactly what she did. She was always the first to offer to help anyone in need and was a compassionate spirit whose passion was caring for others. She volunteered numerous times at the soup kitchen with her granddaughters, Melanie and Ashley. She will be remembered for her kind heart, selflessness and determination.

She is survived by her daughter Andrea Colon and husband David, along with Lucy, her 13-year-old shih-tzu, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, son Anthony Valente of Boston, MA, 3 granddaughters, Marisa Lello and her fiancé David Hawley, Ashley Lello and Melanie Lello and one cherished great-grandson, Joseph Birky. She is also survived by her sister, Ann Cole and husband George of Old Lyme, CT and her nieces and nephews; Bridgette Lee and husband Chris and their children Madison and Thomas, Rebecca Cole and her daughters, Allison and Quinn and Mark Cole and wife Kelly and their daughter, Mackenzie.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlene’s memory may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation, P.O. Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715 (https://glioblastomafoundation.org/).

A funeral service will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. Burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held from 4 - 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at the Plantsville Funeral Home.  For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.