Valentina M. Clermont, 60
NEW ASHFORD, Mass. - Valentina Marie Clermont, 60, of 95 Roys Road died after a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, surrounded by family.
Born in Pittsfield on Aug. 16, 1953, a daughter of John J. Briggs and of Madelyn Tubbs Briggs-Serrano, she graduated from Berkshire Community College in 1997 with an associate of sciences degree and from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 2004 with her bachelor of science degree in nursing. She was pursuing her masters in nursing. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the International Honor Society of Nursing. She also received the William Pitt Award from BCC.
Mrs. Clermont was the director of staff development at Hillcrest Commons in Pittsfield and, prior to that, was a charge nurse at Berkshire Medical Center.
Known by many as "mom," she had a passion for gardening and arts and crafts, but more important to her was the love of her family and her guiding, unselfish acts to many throughout her life. Her education and profession came natural as she walked in the footsteps of her mother as an outstanding caregiver, mother, grandmother, wife, sister and friend, said family. She unselfishly placed herself last for the happiness of others and without hesitation continuously reached out to those in need asking for nothing in return. Her family said she will be remembered as an unending source of wisdom that was often called upon from family, friends and even strangers to provide direction to events in their own life. In her passing, her family said they look to the heavens and know she will always be their guiding light.
She leaves her husband, Richard F. Clermont, whom she married on May 30, 1981; two daughters, Alicia Kocsis and her husband, Jody, of Williamstown and Donnamarie Morton and her husband, Tom, of New Ashford; two sons, Robert Clermont and Amalio "AJ" Jusino, both of North Adams; two brothers, John Enos of Clarksburg and Manuel Serrano of North Adams; a sister, Mary Rivera of Williamstown, and nine grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her sister Nina J. Briggs.
FUNERAL NOTICE - A private family celebration of life for Mrs. Clermont will take place at a later date. There will be no calling hours. Donations may be made to the Salvation Army in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247.