Jessica Sue Dalton Cirelli, 84, passed away peacefully on 20th day, January 2026, at Bedford County Nursing Home, after an 11-year health struggle following a stroke. Up until the end, Sue maintained her kindness, grace, love of family and friends, and a never-failing appreciation for those who cared for her. 

Sue was born on February 20, 1941, to Jeanette Whitten Dalton and George Emmitt Dalton, in Lynchburg, Virginia. She attended Brookville High School, where she formed friendships that have lasted her lifetime. At school she was a darling of both students and the academic staff. Full of personality and energy, she was a cheerleader and, being one of the first girls to have pierced ears, she fascinated her classmates with her signature little gold hoops! 

Sue was an accomplished pianist; but as skilled as she was, she did not enjoy performing, so not many knew of her talent. Sue was, however, well known for being a fine cook. From an early age she enjoyed being in the kitchen. That love helped mold her career in the food services industry as a sales representative, manager, and restaurant owner. Sue loved VT football and tailgating at the games, where her renowned chicken salad always disappeared first. She also had a knack for making any place she lived cozy and homey. The family often joked that she could make a cardboard box feel like home. Sue also loved art, the beach, music, reading and watching her children and grandchildren's sporting events. 

Sue also loved Halloween decorating and dressing up in costume. After her stroke, during a less debilitating time, Sue lived in an apartment where they held a Halloween costume competition each year. And Sue won every time! This brought her tremendous joy, but after each win she would invariably say, “I'm not going to do this again next year; it isn't fair.” 

Sue was devoted to her family; she was the mother to four children: Lisa Carol; Rhonda Waller (Lee); Tracey Jamerson (Jeffrey); James Tedesco and Son in Law, Mickey Yerigan. Seven grandchildren: Amy Yerigan; Brandon Nowlan; Benjamin Nowlan (Allie); Chris Jamerson (Stephanie); Ryan Jamerson (Anna); Marc Tedesco; and Naomi Tedesco. Four great-grandchildren: Donovan Williams; Cameron Williams; Victor Nowlan; and Kerrigan Nowlan. 

She was also the best sister ever to Janet Butler (John Cousins) and Dara Rapp, who she loved dearly. 

Those wishing to make memorial contributions should consider St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Bedford County Nursing Home Activities. 

Sue and her family would like to thank the staff of Bedford County Nursing Home for their tireless and tender care over the past four years as well as Maria Garcia, Valerie Higginbothem and Jennifer Baker for their loving care and special relationship, she loved you all. 

A visitation will be held Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Diuguid Waterlick Chapel followed by a celebration of her life at 2:00 pm.