Ernestine (Rusti) Valenti

Evans Funeral Home announces the death of Mrs. Ernestine (Rusti) Valenti, age 89, of Jefferson, Georgia, who passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, September 8, 2021.

Ernestina Elisa Maria Barile Swarbrick Valenti was an only child, born in Bronx, New York, a daughter to the late Oreste and Anita Soliano Barile.  Her love for animals started at a very young age as she grew up living across the street from the Bronx Zoo.  Mrs. Valenti was of the Christian Faith, a graduate of Mother Cabrini High School Of New York City in 1950.  She then went on to open her own dance studio in the Bronx teaching many children her love for dance.  In the early 1950’s her love for children was so strong she became a foster parent.  She continued to be well known by many as Aunt Rusti (both in NJ and GA) in her 50 year career as a childcare provider while being an amazing, strong, loving, caring, selfless single mom of her own six children.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Anthony Valenti as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Survivors include her daughter, Helen and her husband Carl Passera of New Jersey, son, Tom and his wife Brenda Swarbrick of Auburn, GA, daughter, Maryann and her husband Dennis Day of Jefferson, GA (whom Mrs. Valenti resided with,) Catherine Ax of New Jersey, son, John and his wife Carol Swarbrick of Walnut Grove, GA,  daughter, Carol Swarbrick of New Jersey, three bonus children, Judy Goodridge of Florida, Katharine McGovern of Florida and Roberta Eckhardt of North Carolina; Grandchildren, Catherine Day, Dennis and his wife Rachel Day, Lisa, Kristopher and Ryan Ax, Logan, Sam and Catherine Passera, Christopher Colfax; Great Grandchildren, Avery and Noah Day; cousin Marc Matranga; Goddaughter Donna LaGrange;

A Celebration of Life will be held starting at 2pm Saturday September 25, 2021 at her home in Jefferson GA. 

Evans Funeral Home, Inc, 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia.

Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com