Obituaries

Theresa Vallera, 90, of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, formerly of Steubenville, Ohio, passed away on October 13, 2026, at MGH.

Born in Steubenville, she was the daughter of the late Dominick J. and Lena Marracino Trivoli, Sr.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, intelligence, strength, and boundless love, Theresa devoted her life to God, family, education, and hard work.

In October 1957, she married the love of her life, Joseph Vallera. Their marriage was filled with devotion, laughter, and a playful spirit that never faded. Following Joseph’s untimely passing in 1987, Theresa worked tirelessly to provide her children with love, encouragement, and opportunity. She believed fiercely in education and independence, often helping them study late into the night.

A devoted homemaker, Theresa also served as head teller at the local credit union and worked for State Farm Insurance and H&R Block. She volunteered as a classroom mother and religious education (CCD) teacher.

Of all her titles, none brought her greater joy than “Grammy.” She wasn’t just Grammy to her eight grandchildren; she was everyone’s Grammy. Their loudest cheerleader and fiercest protector, she treasured baking together, matching Christmas pajamas, hair and nail salon trips, and nightly goodnight texts. In her eyes, her grandchildren could accomplish anything. Above all, she taught them that faith and family mattered most.

A devoted parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Springfield, Theresa attended Saturday evening Mass— perhaps the night owl in her simply preferred sleeping in on Sundays. She spent nearly three hours daily in prayer, reciting the rosary and praying through her treasured prayer cards.

Theresa loved late-night shopping until stores closed, baking from her duct-taped family recipe book, seasonal decorating, and crafting. Meticulously organized, she was known for perfectly folded fitted sheets, ever-present rosary beads and tissues, and being five minutes late to nearly everything. Joseph joked she’d even be late to her own funeral.

Her mornings began with peanut butter toast, coffee, crossword and cryptogram puzzles, a family group Wordle, and online solitaire, where she achieved an impressive 801-game winning streak. She loved Family Feud, Judge Judy, and sharing a good laugh.

She cherished nightly “news” calls with her brothers, Vince and the late Dom, sharing family updates and debating world events, even when facts became delightfully mixed up. What mattered was never really the news, but their nearly 90-year sibling bond.

Theresa remembered every occasion, big or small, sending personalized texts and Bitmojis that made everyone feel special.

Her 90th birthday brought family together from near and far for a beautiful Italian-themed celebration. Deeply touched by everyone who traveled to celebrate her, Theresa often said, “We have the best family.” That day reflected the love she had spent her life giving.

Fiercely independent, Theresa rarely asked for help, but her family found immense joy in caring for her, just as she had always cared for them. She treasured family dinners, quiet conversations, and laughter with those she loved.

Theresa was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Vallera; son-in-law, Anthony J. Yanni; and brother, Dominick J. Trivoli, Jr.

She is survived by her children, Dr. John (Susan) Vallera, Dr. Joann Vallera, and Dr. Janice Yanni; her eight grandchildren, Megan and Brian Vallera, Willie, Jerry, and Sydni Landman, and Adalenna, Noella, and Anthony Yanni; brother, Vincent (Maureen) Trivoli; sister-in-law, Charlotte Trivoli; and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Theresa’s greatest accomplishment was the family she nurtured, the faith she lived, and the love she gave so freely.

She spent her life making everyone she loved feel extraordinary. And in doing so, she became the most extraordinary “Grammy” in all of our lives.

Arrangements are pending, and services will be announced.