Elda C. Valente
Elda C. Valente, 100, of Springfield, Ohio, passed away Sunday, December 9, 2007.
She was born August 1, 1907 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Luigi and Maria Zordan Colombo.
She graduated from the University of Chicago and obtained a Masters Degree in Library Science. Elda began her library work when she was sixteen as an aide in the Chicago Public Library at Hull House with Jane Adams. As she continued her library employment, she rose to being the head librarian in the main Chicago building and was also interim head of the entire Chicago Public Library system. In her 50 years with the Chicago Library, she had the opportunity to meet and work with Mayor Dailey, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Frank Lloyd Wright, Clarence Darrow and a multitude of authors. In 1965, Elda received the "Librarian of the Year" Award from President Lyndon B. Johnson at the annual convention of the NEA. She enjoyed her friends and family, loved good literature, the blessings of a liberal arts education including exposure to fine art and music, and European travel and culture. She and her husband were active members in New Dimensions, Kiwanis (Kiwanians) and Covenant Presbyterian Church, and both truly enjoyed living in Springfield.
Elda was preceded in death by her husband, John E. Valente; and her two sisters, Rena Valente and Sedalia Chiappori.
She is survived by a stepson/nephew, Paul R. Valente (Cynthia H. Valente); a niece, Alma Fox (Rudy Fox); great-nephews, Dr. Jonathan Valente (Wendy)of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, Eric Fox (Betty) of Lenexa, Kansas, Dr. Peter Fox of Scottsdale, Arizona, Jack Wiggins of Chicago, Illinois; and great-nieces, Betsy Valente of Washington, DC, Caryn Koranda (Phil) of Aurora, Illinois, Jan Reid (Don) of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and their families; and a cousin, Aldo Zordan (Ginny) of Chicago, Illinois.
A memorial service will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Springfield, Ohio on Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Ray Stewart presiding.
Burial will be in Mt. Greenwood Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either the Clark County Public Library, 201 South Fountain Avenue, Springfield, Ohio 45506 or Covenant Presbyterian Church, 201 North Limestone Street, Springfield, Ohio 45503.
The family is being served by the LITTLETON AND RUE FUNERAL HOME.
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