There will be prayers at 9:15 a.m. at the Fox Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. Tuesday, for Valerie Sofranko Herdman, 58, at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish St. Matthias Church celebrated by Rev. John Jerek.

Valerie passed away peacefully Wednesday January 31, 2018, at Continuing Healthcare Solutions of Boardman, Vista Care center, with her family at her side.

Valerie was born July 6, 1959, in Youngstown, the daughter of Joseph E. and Angeline M. Protopapa Sofranko, she was a lifelong area resident.

She graduated from St. Matthias Catholic grade school and from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1977. She attended Youngstown State University majoring in marketing and graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science Degree.

Valerie had various jobs in her field after graduating, then started working for Gorant candies as a gift buyer, she then moved onto Debald office supply working in customer services for many years. Valerie has been working for Simco Management in the accounts payable department until this past August due to health issues. Simco  treated Valerie very well, her family is very appreciative of the accommodations made for her.

Valerie was an avid reader and enjoyed working in the garden, she loved to travel and to go shopping. She was a parishioner at both Saint Matthias and Saint Patrick Church's and was in the bell choir at St. Pat's.

Valerie leaves to cherish her memory her husband, James "Jim" Herdman, whom she married in September 1997 at St. Patrick's Church by Fr. Edward P.Noga. She leaves her sister Lois J. Sofranko and brother Joel E. (Ave M.) Sofranko; her sisters - in- law, Jeannie (John) Mulichak and Janet (Donald) Regan; several nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews.

Valerie was preceded in death by her parents and her father and mother in law, Jim and Jean Herdman. Her beloved dog Ethel Mae "the Beagle" passed away two years ago.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m.  Monday at the Fox Funeral Home 4700 Market St. Boardman.

Valerie's family wishes to thank the staff of St. Elizabeth Cancer Care Center and the infusion services center of St. Elizabeth for the outstanding care and compassion shown to Valerie.

Family and friends may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and send condolences.