Obituary of Veronica L. Vallandingham

Hampden- Veronica L. Vallandingham, 67, died September 29, 2022 in the company of her loving family. She was born on June 18, 1955 in Springfield to the late Thomas and Gloria (Zarlengo) DeCarli. A lifelong resident of Western Massachusetts, Veronica met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Vallandingham, in her early teens, and they navigated their life together guided by their love for each other and for those around them. Veronica graduated from Commerce High School in 1973 and soon began her married life with Bob, with whom she raised sons Robert “Bobby” and Anthony “Tony” Vallandingham. From attending school events to cheering them on in their respective sports to standing side by side with them at their weddings, Veronica’s sons meant the world to her. She reveled in being a loving wife and mother, as well as a superb mother-in-law. Veronica was equally dedicated to her profession and was employed by Baystate Medical Center for over thirty years, with her workspaces prominently displaying pictures of her family, along with personal items that reflected her interests and hobbies: teapots, which she adored; quotes from books she was reading and personalized stationery adorned with flowers or flip flops. Veronica’s gentle spirit and kind nature pulled others into her loving orbit. She treasured the lifelong friends that stood alongside her during times of both joy and sorrow, as she did the same for them. Veronica gave her whole heart to others and was ready with a hug, laugh or a gentle reminder when needed. She was quick to the dance floor, especially when hearing dance hits from the 60’s and 70’s, and was always at-the-ready with an infectious laugh. Veronica shone a caring light to those around her, with people warmed by her gentle presence. Throughout her life, Veronica was devoted to her family: to her parents and cousins, to her beloved sisters, to her family by marriage and to her many nieces and nephews, with whom Veronica connected on a deep level, having been involved with their lives from infancy. Veronica’s grandchildren brought her immeasurable happiness and often sparked in her the fun, silly side she always possessed, and in doing so, made lifelong memories that Roman, Riley and Emily will hold close to their hearts. As “Nona”, Veronica relished every moment with her grandchildren, who adored her and will miss her more than words can express. Besides her parents, Veronica was preceded in death by her son, Anthony Vallandingham, in 2008; and her sisters, EmmaJean Ducharme, in 2005, and Theresa DeCarli, in 2017. Veronica will be dearly missed by her loving husband of 47 years, Robert L. Vallandingham; their son, Bobby Vallandingham and his wife, Kelley; daughter-in-law, Sarah Belbita and husband Peter; sisters, Michele David and husband George, and Loretta DeCarli and her husband Patrick Durkan; brother-in-law, Russell Ducharme and his partner Donna Shorter; grandchildren, Roman, Riley, and Emily. Niece and treasured source of support Aimee and her husband Erick Funk, as well as all her many other nieces and nephews. They will hold memories of Veronica close to their hearts. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 6th from 4-7pm at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home. On Friday, October 7th, please gather at the funeral home at 9am for a funeral procession to Veronica's Funeral Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary at 10am. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Veronica's name may be made to the Jimmy Fund.