Del Neary-Valentine

Del Neary-Valentine, a vibrant soul who filled every room with warmth and laughter, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on October 9, 1932, in Detroit to Eugene and Elizabeth (MacMillan) Metty, Del grew up in Lincoln Park, where she cultivated the spirited and joyful nature that defined her throughout life. A proud graduate of Lincoln Park High School (1950), she embarked on her professional journey at First Federal Savings & Loan, where fate led her to the love of her life, Gilbert Neary. The two were married on June 11, 1955, and together they built a home filled with love and laughter first in Detroit and later in Royal Oak, where they raised their four sons. Del devoted herself to her family, creating a bustling, happy home. As her children grew, she rejoined the workforce, contributing her talents to The Scott Group in Royal Oak and later MGM Staffing in Troy. Life took an unexpected turn when she lost Gil in February 1988, but Del remained resilient, embracing life's next chapter. She moved to Clinton Township in 1992, where she found love again with Kenneth Valentine. They were married in April 2003 and shared beautiful years together until his passing in 2017. Del was a woman of boundless energy and passion. From her youth into her 80s, she was a graceful and enthusiastic roller skater, performing in dazzling shows at SkateWorld in Troy. Her love of music and dance brought her immense joy, and she and Gil cherished their Thursday date nights at the Clawson Lounge, where they dined and danced the night away. Del's love for singing was just as profound; she lent her beautiful voice to Embury United Methodist Church, Immanuel Lutheran Church, and the Royal Oak Musicale. She also found fulfillment in volunteering at Wm. Beaumont Hospital (now Corewell Hospital), always eager to give back to her community. She was also a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Ferndale, finding joy in community and tradition. A woman of impeccable taste, Del had a special talent for decorating, and her love for the holidays was unmatched-her home was always festively decorated for each holiday. Del leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and devotion to family. She was the beloved wife of the late Gilbert Neary (1988) and Kenneth Valentine (2017). A loving mother to Timothy (Deborah) Neary, Robert (Christine) Neary, John Neary, and David (Pari) Neary, she was the heart of her family. Del was also a proud grandmother to Heather (Mike) Newlin, Bradley Neary, Christopher (Stacy) Neary, Sean (Jessica) Neary, Kendall Neary, and David LG Neary, and a cherished great-grandmother to Averie, Benjamin, Landon, and Sawyer. She is survived by her dear sister, Sharon Metty, and will be lovingly remembered by many extended family members and friends. Visitation will take place on Thursday from 4-8 PM at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. 11 Mile Rd. (4 blocks east of Woodward), Royal Oak. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 11:30 am at the funeral home. Memorial donations in memory of Del may be made to the Leo Mahany / Harold Meininger Senior Community Center (Royal Oak Senior Center), 3500 Marais Ave., Royal Oak, MI 48073. Share a memory at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com.

Del Neary-Valentine

October 9, 1932 - February 8, 2025