Valerie J. Ackerman, 68, of Lacona, New York, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Hospice of Central New York.

Valerie was born on June 2, 1957, in Syracuse, New York, to Ervin and Violet Taylor. She was a 1975 graduate of North Syracuse High School and went on to attend cosmetology school. On October 18, 1975, she married Eugene “Geno” Ackerman in Mattydale.

Valerie was employed at Ames Department Store in Pulaski and Montgomery Ward in Watertown. She later worked as a monitor at Sandy Creek Central School, from which she retired. She was a life member of the Cable Trail VFW in Lacona. Valerie also dedicated many years as a Girl Scout leader and was a member of the Pulaski-Boylston Snowmobile Club. She was also a member of Upstate Cruisers Motorcycle Club, Adams Pony Clib, The Horses Ass Clib, several Bunco leagues, Harmony Acres, Atkinsons Green Knolls, where she kept her beloved horse Twist, Also she helped the Lacona Fire Dept. for years volunteering at functions where Eugene was a volunteer firefighter for years until his retirement.

She enjoyed camping, caring for her horses, and visiting casinos, but most of all cherished the time she spent with her family and friends.

Valerie is survived by her beloved husband, Eugene; her children, Christin (Robert) Atkinson and Felicia (Todd) Aubin; and her six grandchildren, Rochelle (James) Scott, Jacob Atkinson, James (Missy) Atkinson, Colton (Casey) Aubin, Jarrett (Micaela) Aubin, and Karrigan (Matt) Clark. She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren; her brother, Wayne (Pam) Taylor; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Tracy Ackerman.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Cable Trail VFW in Lacona.

Donations in Valerie’s memory may be made to the Cable Trail VFW.