Obituary of Valerie E. DeMarco

Valerie E. Michael DeMarco, Esq of Providence and Matunuck, RI passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020. She was born on June 30th 1964 in Providence, RI. She was the beloved wife of Anthony F DeMarco for the last 21 years. She was the devoted daughter of Vincent J and the late Nancy E (Gormley) Michael. She was the loving sister of Janine (Brad) Van Antwerp, Bethany (Todd) Stockmal, and Vincent (Stacey) Michael. She was the adored aunt of Michaela, Emily, Sarah and Meredith Van Antwerp, Corinne, Zachary and Jeffrey Stockmal, Preston and MacKenzie Michael. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Ralph DeMarco and his wife, Mary, and her sister-in-law Sylvia White. She leaves behind many loving members of the Michael and DeMarco families as well as many close friends. Valerie was a graduate of Classical High School, Rhode Island College, and Quinnipiac University School of Law. She began her legal career with the Gemma Law Offices. Soon afterwards, she became an associate at Hanson, Currant, Parks and Whitman, defending civil cases. Subsequently, she worked at the John Madden Law Offices. Although she enjoyed her time with Attorney Madden, she decided to move on as a solo practitioner. As a solo practitioner, she spent most of her time representing indigents, pro bono, and always endeavored to represent the defenseless. Valerie always sought to aggressively serve not only clients, but friends, neighbors, and strangers who needed her energy and creativity. While practicing law, she attended Providence College and received her teaching certificate. She went on to get a full time teaching position with the Burrillville High School system where she played an instrumental role in the lives of many of her students. Valerie always said that her students were an inspiration, elevating her to be her best. She enjoyed late summer afternoons at the beach in Matunuck, boat rides to Block Island with Tony on their 18’ Boston Whaler, and many happy hours with friends and family on her deck overlooking Potter Pond. These were her happy places. The family would like to express their gratitude for the support, kindness and generosity she received from the Burrillville School Department. She cherished the friendships she formed over the years while teaching and maintained these relationships in the years following. The family would also like to thank Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation for their unwavering support throughout her diagnosis. During her time with Gloria Gemma, Valerie helped to create a support group for those suffering with metastatic breast cancer. The family is especially grateful for the compassionate, skillful care she received at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The family would especially like to thank Dr Beth Overmoyer and her team of caregivers who encouraged Valerie to live life to the fullest every single day. The family would also like to thank Hope Hospice for their exceptional care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gloria Gemma Resource Foundation or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Services are limited due to COVID restrictions. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a mass of Christian burial on Saturday, Dec 26th at Blessed Sacrament Church 179 Academy Avenue, Providence, at 11:00 AM. Seating will be limited to 125 per law. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed. Her burial will be private. A celebration of Valerie’s life will be held at a later date. For further information and condolences, please visit mountpleasantfh.com.