Stella Valentino

Stella Valentino, born August 9, 1932, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2013, at her home in Sherman Oaks, California. Despite the seriousness of her illness Stella maintained her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and was supported by the love and prayers of her loving family and friends.

Stella was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts to Olga and Peter Handakas, both of whom were proud and hardworking Greek immigrants. The fifth of seven beautiful children, sisters – Helen, Flossie, Lucy, Goldie, Thelma, and her brother Paul. All of her sisters continue to reside in different areas of Stella's home state Massachusetts, with her brother living in Baltimore Maryland.

Known for her stunning beauty and intelligence, even as a young high school student she was often asked to attend college formals. As a child, her quiet nature won her father's heart, which he silently made clear by placing candy bars under her pillow during the great depression. Stella and her siblings were raised in the Greek Orthodox faith. Sunday mornings were spent in church where Stella sang in the choir. After Sunday service her family often attended Greek picnics where great food and Greek dancing were thoroughly enjoyed by all. Throughout her life Stella maintained a love of music. She especially enjoyed playing the piano, and had a lovely singing voice. Her special gift of friendship, which was made clear through her care and concern of others, remains as an important part of her legacy.

After graduating from Haverhill High and entering beauty school she met Frank Valentino while sitting in a coffee shop with her sister. Stella and Frank were married March 16, 1952 at Haverhill's City Hall after only twelve dates. They honeymooned in New Hampshire. Shortly thereafter they moved to Brooklyn New York to live with Frank's parents. Stella went into Manhattan to apply for a job with New York Life Insurance Company. Though she had not attended college her test scores were so high they mistakenly assumed she was a college graduate. As a result, they placed her on the 17th floor in the accounting department. Stella soon became known as "The Machine" by her colleagues (all of whom were college graduates), as she was so efficient and accurate in her work. In 1953 Frank and Stella moved to California. Stella then began working for Prudential Insurance Company and quickly proved to be an invaluable asset to the company, eventually rising to the position of office manager in the East Valley office.

Married for 54 years, Stella and Frank raised their 5 children, Joey, Frankie, Donna, Cara and Dino. After living in their first home in North Hollywood, CA for 20 years, they moved to their dream home in Sherman Oaks, CA. Stella cared for her family as she excelled in her career. She enjoyed cooking/baking, as well as sewing and crafting. A woman of strong faith Stella made certain that her children attended religion classes in order to receive their First Communion and Confirmation. With a zest for life, Stella loved to dance, sing, play piano, read, play scrabble and cards, especially with her children. Stella also loved to travel, having visited nearly all of the United States, and several foreign countries/territories; such as Greece, Italy, France, Switzerland and Barbados.
After Stella and Frank retired in 1980 they purchased a home on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire near their honeymoon spot. They spent many relaxing days enjoying the local private beach and slower pace of Gilford. They made many new valued friendships. Stella thoroughly enjoyed being out on the lake on their boat, and spending time with their close group of friends.

Stella's surviving family members are numerous, but mainly include:
Mother of five Children & their Spouses: Joe and Ronni Valentino, Frank Valentino, Donna Valentino, Cara Valentino, Dino and Nora Valentino.
Grandmother to eight: Michael Valentino, Nicole Santos, Patricia Santos Nichols, Cassandra Valentino and Corey Valentino, Nicolas Valentino, Christian Valentino.

Great Grandmother to one: Elijah Santos

Immediate family: Siblings and their Spouses, Helen Roumaeliotes, Flossie and Charlie Frangules, Lucy and Charlie Karis, Goldie Panacopoulos, Thelma and Michael Savvis, Paul Handakas.

Other family members: Many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, too many to list here individually.

Visitation information for friends and family of Stella Valentino:
-There will be a Greek Orthodox Wake Service led by Deacon Michael at the Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills Old North Church located at 6300 Forest Lawn Drive Los Angeles, CA 90068, on Friday October 4, 2013 from 5:00 – 8:30 pm.
-The funeral Mass will be presided by Fr. Anthony Savas at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, located at 9501 Balboa Boulevard Northridge, CA 91325, on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 12:00 pm.

Pallbearers to include: Phillip Cefalu, Vincent Cefalu, William Banos, Gary Storti, Eric Soria, Jon Nichols, Speros Frangules, John Magnanimo. Honorary Pallbearers: Paul Handakas, James Handakas, Andrew Handakas, Charlie Frangules, John Murgo.

A luncheon reception for the family and close friends will be held at Dean and Nora Valentino's home immediately following the interment ceremony. Location 5051 Gaviota Avenue Encino, California 91436.

For more information please call: Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills at (352) 753-8353

Memorial donations honoring Stella's life may be made to:
• St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, California:
• The American Cancer Society

The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support in many heart-felt forms from their many caring relatives and friends. Sincere thanks and gratitude to the nurses who cared for Stella during her illness: Sally Canlas, Joy Bouchard, Angie Malone, Venus Tia, Martha Hernandez and Clara Borgonia. Special thanks and appreciation to Dr Mark Bamberger for his thoughtful attention to Stella's care.