Obituary of Valida Jean Cefaly

Valida “Val” Cefaly, 97, peacefully passed away and joined her husband in Heaven on May 4, 2024.

She was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 1, 1927 to parents William and Edna Charron. She and her husband Joseph Cefaly were married for 68 years and raised three children in Herkimer, New York. There, she was Valedictorian of her high school class and went on to be a business manager for the telephone company for more than 20 years.

Upon retiring, they moved to Venice, Florida in 1985 where Val loved to collect shells on the beach, was a talented seamstress and an avid baker known for making hundreds of Christmas cookies every year for family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter Janet Whittaker of Ilion, NY, son David Cefaly of Clinton, NY, and daughter Jean Burrows of Bradenton, FL as well as 7 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at the River Strand Sanctuary Clubhouse at 6835 Willowshire Way in Bradenton, FL on Thursday, June 20 at 11am. A private burial will be held for family at Venice Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the facility that lovingly cared for her. Checks can be made out to Jeanne Walton and mailed to Family Affair ALF at 740 Crestwood Rd. Englewood, FL 34223. To send condolences, please visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.