Dolores Valenkamph

Clinton-Dolores T. (Ruberti) Valenkamph, affectionately known as “Dolly,” passed peacefully surrounded by family at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the age of 96. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Bertil C. Valenkamph. She is survived by her son, Bertil C. Valenkamph & wife Rhonda; two daughters, Geri Novia & husband Jack; and Sandra DiLuzio & husband Tony; her twin brother, Donald Ruberti; grandchildren and their spouses, Rebekah Hale & Nick, Bertil Carl Scott Valenkamph, Jerilyn Novia & husband Ryan Lynch, Derrick DiLuzio & Julia, and Nicole DiLuzio; great-grandson Oliver Hale; generations of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, dear friends, and her devoted neighbors, especially John and Judy Valley, Robbie, Chris, and Shane Regonini. She is pre-deceased by her daughter-in-law, Nancy Valenkamph; and siblings: Anna Chiarini, Stella Gagliardi, Theresa Polewarczyk, Eleanor Masciarelli, Nicholas, George, Louis, and William Ruberti.

Daughter of the late Joseph & Adolorata (Soldi) Ruberti, Dolores was born and raised in Clinton and was a graduate of the Clinton High School, Class of 1946. Dolly began her professional career on her 16th birthday, working on the looms at Wovencraft in Clinton. In addition to raising her family, she was later employed at ITT Surprenant, where she specialized as a braider, machine operator, and computer specialist before retiring in 1994. She enjoyed lifelong friendships from both jobs and still gathered for lunches with her co-workers several times a year.

A devout Catholic, Dolly was a woman of great faith who never missed Sunday Mass. She was a proud life member of St. John the Guardian of Our Lady Parish in Clinton, where she faithfully received all her sacraments. Among her many hobbies and interests, Dolly was a whiz at completing Sudoku puzzles, often offering to teach anyone who wanted to learn, and was quick to finish word searches, jigsaw and crossword puzzles. She was an accomplished baker always willing to try new recipes, but was famous for her prize winning pizzelles. Dolly also enjoyed shopping trips and Sunday drives with her husband and sisters. She cherished time spent in the company of her family, most notably while entertaining for holidays in her beloved home, which she and her husband Bert built in 1963, and where she lived and remained until her passing. Staying in the comfort of her home was very important to Dolly. Her door was always open, and she looked forward to frequent visits from family and friends. She will be forever remembered for her contagious smile and dearly missed by all who knew her. The family wish to extend their appreciation to her caregivers Jen, Winnie, and Fatima, and the staff of Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester.

Calling hours will be held from 5 until 7PM on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at the Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10AM on Friday, September 5, 2025 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 80 Union St., Clinton, with burial to follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Lancaster. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Dolores Valenkamph to: St. John the Evangelist Church-Restoration Fund, 80 Union St., Clinton, MA 01510. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com