Vallerie F. (Carlin) Naef

Vallerie Florence (Carlin) Naef, age 101, passed away peacefully June 22, 2025, surrounded by her family at Grand River Health and Rehab Center.  She was born February 26, 1924 in Bolivar, Ohio to Lawrence Carlin and Florence M. (Halderman) Carlin.

Val with her 6 siblings grew up during the Great Depression and   her story was featured in the book “A Secret Gift” by Ted Gup. She entered the workforce during World War II working at the Burgess manufacturing plant in Canton Ohio where she earned her role as Rosie the Riveter. She prided herself on being able to complete 110 rivets in 2 minutes on the B-24 bomber planes.

Val married the love of her life Robert Naef on June 6, 1942, and they raised 4 children together.  They enjoyed many family vacations and traveling to see friends. Val enjoyed playing cards, spending time with family, sitting around the kitchen table talking and making no bake cookies for her grandchildren.

Val held several lifetime memberships to include Daughters of the American Revolution, Veteran of Foreign War Auxiliary and Rosie the Riveter Association. She also was presented with a Centenarian Certificate.  She was a member of St. Mary church in Painesville.

Val is survived by her daughters, Judith Schilling and Carole Pizzi (Tony Pizzi); son Robert Naef; grandchildren, Jennifer Pizzi, Walter (Laura) Schilling, Christina Pizzi (Mike Manley), Josh Naef, Logan Naef and Cody Naef; great grandchildren Sophia Reider, Liesel and Katharina Schilling.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, her son Wayne, and son in law Walter Schilling.

Family and friends will be received 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Thursday June 26, 2025 at Spear Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Avenue, Painesville, OH 44077. Funeral services will be held immediately following at 11:00 AM. Burial with be at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to thank the staff at Grand River for their kindness and the care they provided to Val. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

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