LITTLE FALLS-Kathleen L. "Kathy" (LaValla) Grande, 55, currently of Vedder Rd., St. Johnsville, a lifelong Little Falls resident, entered into eternal rest peacefully early Friday morning, February 13, 2009 following a valiant battle with cancer. Her passing occurred in the home of her brother and sister in law, David and Pamela LaValla. She was born in Little Falls on November 22, 1953 daughter of the late Louis LaValla and Mary (Colangelo) LaValla of Little Falls. She attended Little Falls schools and graduated with the "Class of 1971". Kathy was engaged to Kevin Nellis of St. Johnsville where she had been residing. Kathy was a teacher's aide in the Little Falls City School District beginning her career in 1981 at Monroe Street School and then Benton Hall Academy. She was last employed at the Little Falls Middle School as a library aide, holding this position with admirable competence and efficiency. A thorough professional, Kathy was an educator who truly loved her work, and one who left her mark on her colleagues as surely and effectively as she touched so many of her students. She fulfilled the central purpose of her career leaving a mark on the lives of the many students she taught. A loving and dedicated mother, grandmother, sister and friend she was gifted with a wonderful personality and the gentle qualities of compassion and understanding, as represented by her laughter and the warmth of her smile. She personified academic commitment, social conscience and personal compassion and will be sorely missed by all. Survivors include her beloved mother, Mary LaValla of Little Falls; three loving daughters: Dawn Briggs and husband Jon of Newtown, CT, Amy Grabinski and husband Will of Little Falls and Gina Parrott and husband David of Camillus; two close brothers: David Lavalla and wife Pamela of Little Falls and Joseph LaValla and wife Linda also of Little Falls; her cherished grandchildren who were the light of her life: Caitlin and Jonathan Carter Briggs, Jenna, Alyse, Jason and Wade Grabinski, and Jack and Lila Grace Parrott; three close nieces and nephews: Amanda Canastar and husband Patrick, Bethany Kubik and husband Paul, and Michael LaValla; an adored great niece: Olivia Canastar; many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. Kathy also leaves her beloved fiancé, Kevin Nellis and his children: Shawn, Kevin Jr., Cheryl, Andrew and Matthew; Kevin's grandchildren: Marissa, Merari, Haley and Jasmine. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls on Monday, February 16, 2009 from 4-7 p.m. Kathy's funeral will commence at 11 am on Tuesday, Feb. 17th from Holy Family Parish, corner of E. Main and John Streets, Little Falls where the Rev. Anthony Ligato, Pastor, will celebrate her Mass of Christian Burial. Procession will follow to St. Mary's Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider memorial contributions to the Kathleen L. Grande Memorial Fund to be awarded to a student in the Little Falls City School District yearly, c/o Amy Grabinski, 257 Church St., LIttle Falls. Envelopes are also available at the funeral parlor.