Irma Valli Houlihan
Irma Valli Houlihan died peacefully at 105 years of age on Sept. 28 in Sun City Center, Fla. Irma was born on Oak Avenue in Harwinton, Conn., on January 31, 1915, to Theresa Barella Valli and Gildo Valli. By the age of 11, Irma and her dear brother, Roger, had lost both of their parents. Overcoming such early tragedy, she went on to create a large and happy family of her own. Irma is survived by her five children: Sheila (Jim Kreydt), Cathie Perga, Franz Ryerson (Rich), Marthe, and Jim (Chris); eight grandchildren: Jenny, Francesca, Pam, Marthe, Henry, Ben, Christopher and Corey; six great-grandchildren: Isabella, Juliette, Marco, Lily, Luca and Cody. Her husband, Dr. James Houlihan; her son-in-law, Andrew Perga; and her brother, Roger Valli, preceded her in death.
Irma was a graduate of The Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall, in Milford, Conn., and went on to attend Regis College. She told wonderful stories of her time at Lauralton and the friends she made there. Irma was a world traveler, but Italy always held the number one place in her heart. She went frequently but always remembered her first visit to the Milan Cathedral when she was four years old. When she was a young 75, she took four granddaughters back-packing through Italy for a month. She said at the time, “I could take them on a tour, but they will learn so much more this way.” Her last trip to Italy was at the age of 92 with 14 of her children, grandchildren and her first great-grandchild.
Irma and James moved to Kings Point, Sun City Center, Fla., in 1978. Irma was a fierce bridge player and loved daily trips to the pool with their tight group of friends. She was a fun and gracious hostess who valued being surrounded by interesting people. Irma’s volunteerism was very important to her throughout her life. She was especially passionate about her work with Nearly New and the Interfaith Council of Sun City Center for over 31 years. She was the oldest parishioner at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church, and her faith meant a great deal to her. Irma attributed her longevity to having a little ice cream every day and a vodka tonic, occasionally.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to The Sun City Center Emergency Squad, 720 Ray Watson Blvd., SCC, FL 33573.
Irma was a graduate of The Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall, in Milford, Conn., and went on to attend Regis College. She told wonderful stories of her time at Lauralton and the friends she made there. Irma was a world traveler, but Italy always held the number one place in her heart. She went frequently but always remembered her first visit to the Milan Cathedral when she was four years old. When she was a young 75, she took four granddaughters back-packing through Italy for a month. She said at the time, “I could take them on a tour, but they will learn so much more this way.” Her last trip to Italy was at the age of 92 with 14 of her children, grandchildren and her first great-grandchild.
Irma and James moved to Kings Point, Sun City Center, Fla., in 1978. Irma was a fierce bridge player and loved daily trips to the pool with their tight group of friends. She was a fun and gracious hostess who valued being surrounded by interesting people. Irma’s volunteerism was very important to her throughout her life. She was especially passionate about her work with Nearly New and the Interfaith Council of Sun City Center for over 31 years. She was the oldest parishioner at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church, and her faith meant a great deal to her. Irma attributed her longevity to having a little ice cream every day and a vodka tonic, occasionally.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to The Sun City Center Emergency Squad, 720 Ray Watson Blvd., SCC, FL 33573.