Obituary of Claire Jacqueline Vallillo

Claire Jacqueline (Jackie) Vallillo, age 79, of Stratford, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 15, 2024, surrounded by her family, after a long and courageous journey with cancer. Born in Bridgeport, CT on July 20,1944, she was the daughter of the late Anthony Louis Cerino Sr. and Ann Mary (Cassidy) Cerino.

Jackie was predeceased by her beloved husband and love of her life, John J. Vallillo, 38 years ago. Jackie dedicated her life to raising their four children to be hardworking, kind, and strong. She is survived by her grateful and adoring children; Ann Yeomans (Greg) of Marion, MA, James Vallillo (Marissa) of Fairfield, CT, Jacqueline Colohan (Mike) of Trumbull, CT, and Carey Biondi (Gianluca) of Stratford, CT. Her four kids will ensure that her legacy lives on forever through her grandchildren.

Jackie's pride and joy were her ten grandchildren: Jacob, Cassidy, John, Amelia, Braden, Madeline, Antonio, Jacqueline, Alexandra, and Gianluca. She had a special bond with each one and bragged about them often. She was so proud! But above all, Grandma/Mima taught them about love, faith, and family at the deepest level.

Jackie is also predeceased by her partner and companion of 25 years, James (Dave) Craig. Dave became "Papa" and together they loved the grandchildren; building them special pieces of furniture, arts and crafts galore, bingo, and attending performances and sporting contests.

Jackie is also survived by her younger sisters, Anne Spoldi and Carey (James) Moran, as well as, her sister-in-law Barbara Cerino. She loved them all very much. In addition, Jackie is survived by her sister-in-law and best friend, Maureen Cerino, with whom she shared so many life discussions and road trips up North.

Her family also finds solace that Jackie is reunited with her predeceased siblings; Joseph Cerino, Lucille Ring, and Anthony Cerino, Jr. in addition to her nephews Tony Cerino, Raymond Cerino and her niece Jamie Moran.

Jackie had a strong connection with so many of her nieces, nephews, and close friends. She found joy in helping whoever, in her path, called for the touch of her loving and kind heart. Jackie volunteered at Bridgeport Hospital making blankets to bring comfort to the sick, spent days at Daughter of Charity Preschool making crafts with children, bought special gifts for those in need, donated money to youth organizations and schools, and in her last months, spent her days with the Activity Director at Spring Village of Stratford Assisted Living, "working" all day to assist others. She was always looking for the next project she could do to bring happiness to someone who was struggling. She found purpose in that. Back in the day, her home was always open to anyone who needed a good meal (her chicken cutlets were famous) or a cup of coffee with a side of sarcasm. Jackie was tough as nails but had a heart of gold; a true legend to those that knew her best!

Friends are invited to meet directly at Our Lady of Grace Church, 497 Second Hill Lane, Stratford, on Monday June 24, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may call on Sunday, June 23rd from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.