





Obituary of Pat Valva
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mary Patricia (Pat) Valva, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who passed away peacefully on the morning of January 23, 2025, surrounded by her family in her home in Naples, Florida.
Pat was born to Owen and Mary McTeggart in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, where she was raised alongside her four siblings. At the age of 25, Pat made the bold decision to cross the Atlantic and begin a new life in the United States. It was here that she met the love of her life, George Valva, and together they shared over 57 years of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.
Although Pat proudly hailed from Northern Ireland and cherished her Irish roots, she was equally proud to call the United States her home when she became a U.S. citizen in the early 1970s. She was deeply appreciative of the rich history here and all it represented and took great joy in listening to the music that represents our great country.
The couple planted roots in Denville, New Jersey in 1977, where Pat quickly became an integral part of the community. Pat's passion for community service extended further when she ran for town council, earning the honor of being elected as Councilperson at Large four times. Her tireless work and dedication to making her town a better place was evident to everyone she encountered throughout her work in various community organizations and events, earning her Volunteer of the Year in 1990. Her involvement with the Joey Bella Memorial Fund, where she participated in the organization's famous lip sync shows, was a source of joy for all who knew her, especially with her unforgettable performances, spot-on impressions, and creative costumes.
When not working for the good of her community, Pat was an avid traveler, sharing many adventures with her daughter Leslie. She also treasured the precious memories made with friends and family during their summers together on Long Beach Island in their beloved shore house in Beach Haven. But perhaps what brought Pat the most peace was the quiet solace of reading, where she could immerse herself in books that fed her insatiable hunger for knowledge and adventure.
Pat leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and love that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She is survived by her loving husband George, her children, Mark Valva (Shannon), Ashley Cramer (James), Leslie Hernandez (Ralph) her grandchildren, Roman, Brady Quinn, Keith, and Owen, as well as a community of friends whose lives she touched with her warmth and boundless energy. She is now reunited in Heaven with those who passed before her; her parents, Owen and Mary McTeggart, and her four siblings.
If you would like to contribute to Pat’s memory in your own way, please consider making a charitable contribution to the Joey Bella Memorial Fund, an organization near and dear to Pat's heart. Donations can be made via: https://joeybella.org/donate .
Hours of public visitation for Pat are scheduled for Thursday, January 30, from 3p to 7p at Norman Dean Home for Services. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 31, at 10 AM at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church of Denville, with a graveside service to follow at Denville Cemetery.
Please share a memory, leave a condolence, or light a candle to continue to let Pat’s light shine!