Barbara V. Vallilee

Barbara V. Vallilee

of Smithboro, NY

Barbara "Barb" V. Vallilee, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on December 19, 2024, at Mercy House of the Southern Tier. Born on August 22, 1948, in Johnson City, NY, Barb's life was a testament to the power of unwavering positivity and the impact one individual can have on their community.

A lifelong resident of Smithboro, Barb was a graduate of Tioga Central High School class of 1966. She dedicated herself to nurturing young minds as a Teacher's Aide at Tioga Central Elementary School for 32 years. Her gentle guidance and warm embraces left an indelible mark on countless children, a legacy carried forward by each life she touched.

Beyond her professional role, Barb was deeply involved in her community. She volunteered at the Lounsberry Food Pantry, bringing sustenance and hope to those in need. Her commitment to service shone through her membership in the Nichols Lions/Lioness Club and her active participation in the Smithboro Church. Barb's love for her community was paralleled only by her passion for the New York Giants, painting, and quilting—a hobby she enjoyed with her dear sister, Pat.

Barb's life was a canvas of love, painted with the vibrant colors of her family and friends. She was the loving matriarch to her daughter and son-in-law, Kelley and Frank Marconi; her sons and daughters-in-law, Kevin and Regina Vallilee, and Jonathan and Terri Vallilee. Her grandchildren, Kiley Marconi, Aidin and Elijah Vallilee, and Chelsea (Tom) Foster, brought her immeasurable joy, as did her great-granddaughter, Abigail Foster. Barb's siblings, Kathleen (Richard) Andress and Earle Heyman, Jr. (Janice), held a special place in her heart. She will also be missed by Barney’s siblings: Thomas (Mary Ann) Vallilee; Ann Rogers; along with her many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Barb was reunited in eternity with her beloved husband of 53 years, Bernard "Barney" J. Vallilee, who preceded her in death. She was also predeceased by her parents, Earle and Bertha Heyman, her siblings, Patricia (Ray) Horton and Johanna (Peter) Franciscovich, mother-in-law and father-in-law: Dorothy and Bernard Vallilee; grandsons: Seth and Jacob Vallilee; and a niece, Andrea Hatzinger.

Those who knew Barb would describe her as the embodiment of love, kindness, and friendliness. She approached life with a heart full of compassion and a smile that could light up a room. In the words of Mother Teresa, "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." Barb lived this quote daily, leaving a trail of happiness and love wherever she went.

Abiding with Barb’s wishes there will be no services. Barb and Barney will be laid to rest in the Smithboro Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting her guestbook at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 N. McKinley Ave., Endicott, New York 13760 or the Smithboro United Methodist Church, PO Box 37, Nichols, New York 13812 in loving memory of Barbara V. Vallilee. Barb’s spirit will forever be woven into the fabric of the lives she touched. Her unwavering kindness, boundless love, and friendly demeanor will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. As we say goodbye to this extraordinary woman, we take solace in the knowledge that her legacy will live on through the lives she enriched with her presence. Caring assistance is being provided by the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols, NY 13812.