Valerie J. Pettapiece passed away July 26, 2026.  Born June 20, 1946 in Lockport she was the daughter of the late Robert E. and Virginia A. (Cromwell) Eberhardt.  She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and taught first grade at John E. Pound Elementary School until she became a mom and stayed home to care for her three children.  Valerie initially returned to work at the Niagara County Mental Health Association and from there went back to the school district working at Lockport Senior High School in the guidance office.  She was very active with the Roy B. Kelley Elementary School PTA from 1975 – 1989, volunteered at the Lockport Community Market where she also enjoyed shopping.  Valerie enjoyed sewing, reading, spending time with her family, and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events.

Valerie is survived by her husband of 59 years Kenneth Pettapiece; children Kristin (Kevin) Duffy, Susan (Roy) Cicman, and James (Robin) Pettapiece; grandchildren Jack and Sean Duffy, Logan and Morgan Cicman, Ehren, Landon, and Sydney Pettapiece.   She was the sister of Robert Eberhardt, Claire (Steven) Giudici and the late Eric Eberhardt and Gail Eberhardt.

Relatives and friends are invited to visitation Thursday, July 30th from 2-5 PM at Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Roswell Park or to A Hand Up Inc. in Lockport would be appreciated by the family. Visit pruddenandkandt.com.