Valentina Ona Rauckis

Valentina Ona Rauckis (nee Pajaujyte) passed away January 18th, at the age of 87.

Born in Jurbarkas, Lithuania, Valentina was born to the late Petras and Petronele Pajaujis. During the First World War, her family first immigrated and lived in Hanau am Mein, then finally immigrated to the United States and ultimately settled in Suburbs of Detroit.  She was married to Saulius Antanas Cerniauskas and was the loving mother of Gaile Cerniauskas DDS (James Jacobson) and Nida Del Pup, and a beloved grandmother to Justin Del Pup.  Grieving together is her niece Julie Christou Vladimir and her nephew Alex Christou.  Valentina was preceded in her death by her brother Zenonas Pajaujis.

She was the beloved wife of the late Victor  Rauckis and enjoyed step children Marijus and Cathy and their daughters Emilia and Kristi, Vytas Petras and wife Cindi with daughter Jessica, Paulius  and sons Andrius and Adam, and daughter Aldona with Victoria Dante.

Valentina’s life was rich with many heartfelt deep friendships that were present from Lithuania which lasted a whole lifetime and crossed into multi generations.  She was beloved and cherished by all who knew her due to an infectious cheerfulness and unconditional love and acceptance to all who knew her.

Valentina received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Wayne State University and further completed her Masters in Education at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. She mentored many educators.  Valentina was an educator for over 37 years in the Crestwood Public School District in Dearborn Heights, Mi. She mentored many children that to this day remember her fondly.  Closer to her heart was her active participation in the Lithuanian catholic community.  She was Principal and also teacher at Ziburis Lithuanian School, and sat on many liturgical committees for Divine Providence Lithuanian Catholic Church , including decorating the church with flowers for over 30 years.  She was on the Board of the Detroit Lithuanian American community Organization for over 10 years then continued on to decorate the church.

A brief visitation will be held at 9:30 am followed by the Rosary and Mass at Divine Providence Lithuanian Catholic Church at 25335 W. Nine Mile Rd in Southfield, Mi 48033.

She will be buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, and then a luncheon will be held at the Parish hall.

In lieu of flowers the family welcomes you to consider a donation to Detroit Ziburis Lithuanian School or the Lithuanian Foundation (www.Lithuanianfoundation.org) or the Dementia Society of America in the memory of Valentina Rauckis at Dementiasociety.org