Maria Teresa Valente, 81, a longtime resident of  Pleasant Valley and formerly of the Bronx, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, with her family by her side.  Maria's zest for life and spicy personality will be remembered by everyone who knew or even met her.  She had a way about her that made everyone laugh and smile.  Born July 7, 1939 in Castrovillari, Calabria, Italy, she was the daughter of Pasquale and Rosa Zicari LaVena.   Maria worked as  a seamstress at various locations in Poughkeepsie including Gladmore Cleaners and JCPenney in Poughkeepsie. She then worked as a sales clerk at JCPenney for many years and thoroughly enjoyed going to work every day and help customers.  Everyone there loved her infectious smile and her honest opinions.  On September 4, 1960 in Castrovillari, Italy, she married Giuseppe Valente, who predeceased her in 1999.  Maria was also predeceased by her beloved son, Armando in 2019.  Her sister, Agnesa LaVena predeceased her in Italy.  Survivors include her two daughters, Rosa Paulk and husband, Gregg, of Pleasant Valley, and Josephine Wilkins and husband, Gregory, of Hyde Park; grandchildren, Alex Paulk and his wife Crista; Carla Cinelli and her partner Jonathan Besze; Lorenzo Wilkins and Ciranno Wilkins; and great-granddaughter, Gianna Skelly. She is also survived by her brother, Joseph LaVena;  sisters, Carmela Malagrino (her twin) and Rosetta Fortunato; as well as her late husband's sisters and brothers who were very close with her, as well as many nieces and nephews.  Calling hours will be from 1 to 4 PM, Sunday, April 25th at Sweet's Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park.  A  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. John Backes at 10AM, Monday, April 26th at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 1590 Main Street, Pleasant Valley. Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Peter's Cemetery, Poughkeepsie.  Masks will be required, and proper COVID safety protocols will be observed.  In lieu of flowers, the Valente family respectfully requests memorial donations to Hospice, Dutchess County or a charity of your choice.  To send an online condolence, or for directions, please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com .