A closing early this fall brought plenty of emotions from current and former residents. Over the weekend, the OBSERVER reported that Valvo’s Candies and Gift Shop marked its final days in September.

Owner Elizabeth Valvo recently told the OBSERVER the closing is permanent and that the property at 1277 Central Avenue in Silver Creek will eventually be put up for sale. Valvo, 88, announced the news “with a heavy heart” and expressed her gratitude for the community’s support.

“I would like to thank our wonderful customers, friends and family who helped us along the way,” Valvo said. “I’m just so thankful for everybody who helped support us.”

Once the news hit the OBSERVER’s Facebook feed, thousands chimed in with memories or well wishes. The location is an icon and known for the cement statues that are so familiar to those who have shopped and done business there.

“We put a lot into this business. We all did. We loved it,” Valvo said.

A family’s dedication — and its longtime service of more than a century — will be missed.