Resurrection Sister Valerie Paccone, who served as director of religious education for 19 years in St. Veronica Parish, Howell, died Oct. 9. She was 78.

Funeral services were held in the Sisters of the Resurrection Provincialate Chapel, Castleton, N.Y., with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated Oct. 13. Burial was in the Resurrection Cemetery, Castleton.

Sister Valerie entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Resurrection Aug. 30, 1964, and professed her final vows Aug. 15, 1971. She celebrated the 50th anniversary of her religious profession in 2016.

Sister Valerie’s ministry was primarily in the fields of religious formation and education. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from Good Counsel College, White Plains, N.Y., a master of arts degree in philosophy from the College of St. Rose, Albany, N.Y., and a master of arts degree in religious studies from Notre Dame Apostolic Catechetical Institute. She served her community as directress of postulants and directress of novices at the Provincialate in Castleton, N.Y., for 10 years. Her many years of service in Catholic education included teaching at Maria Regina High School, Hartsdale, N.Y., in St. Casimir School, Yonkers, N.Y., and St. Veronica Parish.

Born in New York City, Sister Valerie was the daughter of the late Humbert Ernest and Rita Maria Guarldi Paccone. She is also predeceased by two brothers. She is survived by two sisters, two brothers as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and relatives.

Sister Valerie became a resident of Riverside Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in September 2013, where she continued her ministry of service by advocating for the residents as head of the resident council.

Memorials in Sister Valerie’s name may be sent to the Sisters of the Resurrection Memorial Fund, 35 Boltwood Ave., Castleton, N.Y., 12033.