On Monday, April 15th, 2024, Dr. Ann Frances Valenti, a cherished wife, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away at the age of 57 after complications following surgery. Born on August 22, 1966, in Palo Alto, California, Ann entered into matrimony with Edgar “Ed” Milton Valenti, Jr. on March 11, 1995. Dr. Valenti was raised in Maryland until she moved to Minnesota to attend undergraduate college in animal science. She graduated from University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993 where she studied equine and small animal medicine, surgery and reproduction. She joined and then co-owned/managed a large multi doctor small animal practice (Inver Grove Heights Animal Hospital) in Minnesota. Ann was very proud of the work she did at Inver Grove Heights Animal Hospital in building up their reproductive medical services. Ann and Ed then headed to the Pacific Northwest where she joined and then co-owned/managed Harbor Animal Hospital in Gig Harbor, WA. Ann loved living in the Pacific Northwest and enjoyed kayaking, hiking, and all the marine life. Ann had just completed a remodel of the clinic and had big plans for the future.
Dr. Valenti enjoyed all aspects of veterinary care and loved bonding with the pets and their owners. She taught puppy class for over 20 years and mentored over 200 students all the way from high school to veterinary school level. She especially enjoyed reproduction, surgery, wellness and dentistry. Ann also volunteered on international veterinary aid trips with the Non-Profit Organization World Vets, to care for animals that needed preventive care and spay/neuter procedures, combining her love of travel, community outreach and veterinary medicine. She was part of the World Vets marine mammal response team locally in Gig Harbor and helped with animal rescue for pets affected by Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and the fires in Washington state.
The world is undeniably a better place because of Ann’s focus on living life to the fullest. She will be remembered for her contributions to mentoring students, caring for her parents in their final days, being a devoted wife, loving sister and loyal friend. She was a private pilot and avid horse enthusiast. Ann was fearless, feisty and fun! She ensured that she brought her husband, family and friends along for the ride. We are grateful to have had her play a significant role in our lives. We will all miss her tremendously.
Ann is survived by her husband Ed Valenti, her siblings Paul Slagle, Mark Slagle, John Slagle, Mary Zappone (John), her nieces and nephews: Frances Zappone Casella (Giancarlo), Anna Zappone Allaby (Nathan), Sarah Zappone, Austin Verble (Alice), EJ Verble, Tori Verble, and her grandnephews: Leo Casella, Nico Casella and grandniece: Olivia Allaby. Ann was predeceased by her parents Frances Galassi Slagle and James Robert Slagle. She has had a menagerie of all kinds of animals but is survived by her Standard Parti Poodle named Coupe de Ville, a Havanese named Nina and a cat named Meeko.
In lieu of flowers, in honor of Ann’s passions, we invite those who are able, to continue contributing to her areas of advocacy: