48°
Coss was born July 16, 1936 and raised in Garden City, N.Y., daughter of Warren and Helen Pohle Coss of Ashland, Ohio. A professional singer, she was also a voice teacher. She received her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the Eastman School of Music, class of 1959.
Coss was a critically acclaimed opera singer and performed for many years as a principal soprano at the Metropolitan Opera. She appeared as guest soloist with several symphony orchestras nationally and in Fairfield County. Earlier in her career she was a member of the Ray Charles singers on the “Perry Como Show” and was the soprano soloist at St. James’ Episcopal Church in New York City.
Coss was formerly married to Dr. Harrison R. Valante and is survived by her sons, H. Christopher Valante of Westport and Newport, R.I., and Michael W. Valante (Charmian Hall); and two granddaughters. She was predeceased by her parents; brothers, David and Daniel Coss; and sister, Sr. Anne Coss of the Ursuline Sisters of Toledo, Ohio. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7 at St. Luke Church in Westport. A gathering of friends and family will immediately follow at the church.
Donations in Coss’s memory can be made to the Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service, 50 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Westport and receive free news updates.
