Divine A. "Dee" Rinella

DIVINE A. RINELLA “DEE, LALA” (nee Valente) age 95, beloved wife of the late Michael V.; loving mother of Louis M. (Kathy), Roseann Coso (deceased) (Steve), Gina Marie (deceased), and Michelle Picciano (Lee); dearest grandmother of Steven (Traci), Maria (Joe), and Paul (Allie) Coso, and Pat and Michael Picciano and dearest great-grandmother of Jackson and Anthony Coso; cherished daughter of the late Frank and Rosie (nee Gaudio) Valente and daughter-in-law of the late Louis and Tillie Rinella; dear sister of the late Louis (Nancy) and Joseph Valente; dear sister-in-law of Rosemary (Ken, deceased) Dacek and Rosemary Valente Leonti; aunt and great-aunt of many.

Divine was born to Rosie and Frank Valente on March 21, 1930, in Cleveland, Ohio, before making South Euclid her home for the past 69 years. She was known as ‘Dee’ and ‘Lala’ to those closest to her. She married the love of her life, Michael, and the two spent 46 happy years together. They started a family together, where Dee was a devoted mother to all of her children. The love she held for her family only grew as she went onto become a grandmother and great-grandmother. Alongside her love and devotion to her family, Dee also held great love in her heart for her lord and savior Jesus Christ and was a faithful parishioner at St. Gregory the Great Church for many years. She was a well-respected member of her community, and was an active member of The Socialites, Isabella Guild, Carmona Caravan #75 Sultanas, Karmona Klowns, South Euclid Lioness, ISDA University Lodge and South Euclid Italian club. She oversaw clubs putting together reverse raffles, a responsibly which she carried out with great honor. Dee put on the annual Christmas Party and the Adult Deepwood center, and her enthusiasm for the holiday spread to her own home as well, with Christmas being considered a special time for her family. She had a great array of hobbies, including traveling, sightseeing, and cooking. Dee was also particularly fond of the Music of the 1950s and 1960s, which she could often be found listening to. What was most apparent to anyone who had the pleasure of meeting Dee though, was that she was always willing to help others, whether they were family, friends, neighbors, or even complete strangers. Dee was called home to heaven on May 3, 2025, surrounded by her family. She leaves behind a legacy in the hearts of everyone she helped and will be greatly missed by all who had the honor of knowing her. 

Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 11 AM at St. Noel Catholic Church, 35200 Chardon Rd, Willoughby Hills.  Burial following at Calvary Cemetery.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Dee at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) TUESDAY 2-4 PM and 5-8 PM.