In Memory Of
Valera D'Esopo
1932
2024
Valera D'Esopo
April 21, 1932 — April 3, 2024
Valera E. D'Esopo (Morton:Minard)
Born: April 21, 1932 Died: April 3, 2024
Predeceased by her parents Clarence and Ethel Kremheller Morton, who nurtured her love of music, beloved husband Robert D'Esopo with whom she traveled the world and was complete, former husband Norris E. Minard, special "brother" Robert (Kremheller) Morton, and special Aunt Ruth Morton Behnke. She is survived by her children Ann(Michael) Grace, Karen (Chris) Johnson, and Gabi Lieb, her exchange student "daughter", her dear grandchildren Emily (Richard) Saldanha, Erin (Paul) Slupski, Elizabeth (Michael) Husmann, Cameron and Colin Johnson, and her great-grandchildren Hazel Saldanha and Nora Slupski, to whom she left hugs and wished them the love of learning.
The main theme that traversed Valera's life was music. She began learning piano at age 5 and accordion not long after. She graduated from Webster High School and Fredonia State College as a voice major (coloratura soprano), where she spent four wonderful years surrounded by music. Her career began teaching music at Durand-Eastman School. After obtaining her Master's Degree in Education, she taught at Jefferson Road Elementary School. For many years, Valera was the organist and choir director at Laurelton United Presbyterian Church.
Valera and Bob hosted many international college students attending the University of Rochester from China, France, Thailand, Taiwan, Russia, Poland, and Turkey, with whom she continued warm friendships.
Valera wanted to pay tribute to her immigrant grandparents who bravely made the journey to America and provided her with such wonderful opportunities. She researched her family's genealogy for many years and left behind that knowledge in detailed records. Along her genealogical journey she met wonderful researchers and others who supported her efforts.
Valera loved her family, classical music, theater, nature, learning, travel, tennis, baseball, and swimming.
There will be no calling hours, but a private celebration of life and songfest will be held in her honor. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the passion of your life or to the passions of hers: 91.5 FM Classical Radio Station or the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
Born: April 21, 1932 Died: April 3, 2024
Predeceased by her parents Clarence and Ethel Kremheller Morton, who nurtured her love of music, beloved husband Robert D'Esopo with whom she traveled the world and was complete, former husband Norris E. Minard, special "brother" Robert (Kremheller) Morton, and special Aunt Ruth Morton Behnke. She is survived by her children Ann(Michael) Grace, Karen (Chris) Johnson, and Gabi Lieb, her exchange student "daughter", her dear grandchildren Emily (Richard) Saldanha, Erin (Paul) Slupski, Elizabeth (Michael) Husmann, Cameron and Colin Johnson, and her great-grandchildren Hazel Saldanha and Nora Slupski, to whom she left hugs and wished them the love of learning.
The main theme that traversed Valera's life was music. She began learning piano at age 5 and accordion not long after. She graduated from Webster High School and Fredonia State College as a voice major (coloratura soprano), where she spent four wonderful years surrounded by music. Her career began teaching music at Durand-Eastman School. After obtaining her Master's Degree in Education, she taught at Jefferson Road Elementary School. For many years, Valera was the organist and choir director at Laurelton United Presbyterian Church.
Valera and Bob hosted many international college students attending the University of Rochester from China, France, Thailand, Taiwan, Russia, Poland, and Turkey, with whom she continued warm friendships.
Valera wanted to pay tribute to her immigrant grandparents who bravely made the journey to America and provided her with such wonderful opportunities. She researched her family's genealogy for many years and left behind that knowledge in detailed records. Along her genealogical journey she met wonderful researchers and others who supported her efforts.
Valera loved her family, classical music, theater, nature, learning, travel, tennis, baseball, and swimming.
There will be no calling hours, but a private celebration of life and songfest will be held in her honor. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the passion of your life or to the passions of hers: 91.5 FM Classical Radio Station or the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Valera D'Esopo, please visit our flower store.
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