Valerie Carlson is a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish where she is involved in their prayer line ministry. She is the mother of three daughters, one of which is deceased and the grandmother of four.  Valerie had two siblings both of whom were girls.  She was born in New York State, raised in Virginia, and moved to Erie, PA in her senior year of high school.  She attended Edinboro University and was enrolled in the Social Work Program. While raising three children, she enrolled in Villa Maria College where she received her BS in Nursing Degree.  She retired from St. Vincent Hospital where she was a pediatric nurse for 40+ years.  Since retirement she has been enjoying activities she did not have time for while working.  She belongs to a Red Hat Group – the Red Hat Pepperettes.  She enjoys traveling, history, art and music. Sister Mary Fromknecht is her mentor.