Mrs. Valerie Brandford-Pierre, parishioner of St. James, Brookhaven, was awarded the 2024 Episcopal Church Women Service Award in appreciation for her "dedication, time, talents, perseverance, and commitment to excellence to the diocesan board, and the communities, parishes, and people in the Diocese of Long Island."
This is the first time the diocesan Episcopal Church Women (ECW) have ever given such an award. New president, Debbie Richberg, said, "We wanted to make sure Valerie was recognized for her many years of service to the ECW. With her eye for detail, she always made sure the Book of Remembrance Service was elegant and special, and we are all so grateful."
Brandford-Pierre has been active with the ECW for many years. She most recently served as the chairperson for the Book of Remembrance Service for ten years before retiring in 2023. And she carries on a legacy of service, which is reflected in the award she received. The ECW presented Brandford-Pierre with a graphic award featuring a picture of her alongside her mother, who had served on the ECW board before her.
Brandford-Pierre is a current member of St. James, Brookhaven, where she is co-chairperson of the Seamen's Church Institute, and has served as a vestry member and usher. Before joining St. James, she was a member of St. Mark's, Medford, where she was a member of the ECW, vestry, choir, and Cursillo 48. She was also the superintendent of the Church School for many years.
Brandford-Pierre formerly taught English as a Second Language to middle-school students in New York City public schools.
The award was presented as part of the Episcopal Church Women's Annual Meeting following the Book of Remembrance Mass held at the Cathedral of the Incarnation on Friday, November 1. The annual service is a tribute to those members who paved the way and for the current ECW women who are an integral part of parishes across the Diocese. The Rt. Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano, Bishop of Long Island, presided. The Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf, Assistant Bishop of Long Island, preached.
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