Valerie J. Higgins

Mrs. Valerie J. Higgins

On Jan. 7, 2025, Valerie J. Higgins, 79, of Hometown, peacefully entered into her eternal rest surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Bethlehem, she was a daughter of the late Valentine J. and Margaret (Shafer) Urban and the wife of Joseph E. Higgins of Nesquehoning for 57 years.

She was also predeceased by her brother, Douglas B. Urban.

She was a 1963 graduate of Notre Dame of Green Pond High School and attended Alvernia College and Allentown College while employed as a second grade teacher at St. Jane Francis de Chantal School in Easton.

A former resident of Nesquehoning, she was employed for 24 years as a pharmacy technician at Joyce's Pharmacy. She also served as a substitute elementary school teacher before working at Redner's market as a customer service representative until her retirement.

She was a former member of Sacred Heart and St. Francis of Assisi churches, Nesquehoning, where she served in many capacities, including as a bereavement facilitator for Carbon and Schuylkill counties.

She served on the advisory board for Marian High School and was a past president of the Carbon County Volunteers for Literacy as a certified ABE/ESL tutor.

She was an active member in her community as the judge of election for Nesquehoning West Ward for 27 years, a volunteer for the Carbon County Cancer Society, a member and past president of the Nesquehoning Women's Club, a volunteer for the knee high football program, and a certified Boy Scout den mother.

Valerie cherished spending time and laughing with family and friends and enjoyed spiritual retreats, dancing and Notre Dame football.

Surviving in addition to her husband are two sons, Joseph A. Higgins, and his wife, Christine, of Boston, MA, and Matthew J. Higgins, and his wife, Jennifer, of Lansford; two daughters, Dr. Pamela J. Higgins, and her husband, Daniel Paese, of Mechanicsburg, and Samantha M. Higgins and Julian Laze of Philadelphia; six grandchildren, Jack, Ashton, Theresa, Emilia, Victoria and Anthony; and several nieces and nephews.

Service: Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, St. Richard's Catholic Church, 799 Barnesville Drive, Barnesville, with the Rev. Robert T. Finlan officiating. Private interment, Sky-View Memorial Park, Hometown. Call 10-11 a.m. Tuesday in the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name can be directed to the Shepherd's Garden of the Heritage Hill Senior Community, c/o the Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home, 81 E. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning, PA 18240. Online condolences at www.blazoskyfh.com.