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As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:
Valery Jade Longhini left this earth on December 24; surrounded by family, after fighting cancer for nearly ten years. In true Valery fashion, she waited for her little brother to arrive from one of his adventures, gathered us all around, and left this world quickly.
Valery was born May 21st, 1984, the daughter of Guy and Andrea (Penegor) Longhini. Valery lived her first two years in Twin Lakes and then the rest of her childhood in Houghton, Michigan. She participated in the high school golf team, before graduating from Houghton High School in 2003.
Valery graduated from Yuma School of Beauty in Arizona, where she continued to work, before moving back to Houghton and working many years in the beauty industry. She worked at Regis Hair Salon, Hairsmiths, and in most recent years, at Citrus Salon. She loved her job, her clients and helping to make them feel beautiful.
In her recent years, she loved football and hockey while being a loyal Michigan Tech hockey fan. She was also becoming a star in fantasy football. Valery loved to travel to places like Miami, Las Vegas, Mackinac Island, and spending time in Twin Lakes. She enjoyed reading, watching shows, eating out, and being with family and friends.
Valery has two amazing children, Rease and Shaya Pakkala, who were her world. They were the most important people in Val’s life, along with her beloved dogs. She was a fantastic mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, friend, and granddaughter.
She Is survived by her children; Rease and Shaya; her parents; brother Kent (Alyssa) and their children Kenli and Lucca; and brother Brendan. She’s also survived by her grandmother, Greta Longhini, and her very beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins (some who were her best friends); along with many good friends. And of course, her special pups, Nala and Rosie.
Valery was preceded in death by her grandparents, Joyce and Bill Penegor and Jack Longhini; and her aunts, Gay Penegor and Liana Longhini.
Val appreciated all the love and support from everyone in the community and elsewhere.
Her funeral will be held at Saint Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Houghton, where she was a lifetime member, on Friday, December 29th at 11 am. Visitation will be prior to this at 9 – 10:45 am.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests a memorial contribution to the Valery Longhini family or the Copper Country Humane Society.
To view this obituary or to send condolences to Val’s family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
