Valerie Panciera-Rieth, BSEd, CDE
Landmark Funeral Home and Valerie Panciera-Rieth Bereavement Services
Valerie Panciera Rieth, a Hollywood native, is an alumnus of Madonna Academy where she achieved membership in the National Honor Society and Who’s Who Among American High School Students. She has been active with Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory since its merger, having severed on the Board of Trustees for 16 years. Whether she’s volunteering for the Annual Luncheon Fashion Show, the Annual Golf Classic, or working with the Alumni Association; or speaking at a PTA meeting or to our C–M students on Career Day her efforts are tireless. In 1995, she received the Alumni Hall of Fame Award for her dedication to the School and for her achievement in the South Florida community.
Valerie’s parents founded Panciera Memorial Home in Hollywood in 1962. Being born and raised in the funeral industry has provided her with a wealth of understanding that life truly is a journey, not a destination. Her commitment to the family business was intertwined with her desire to teach. She graduated Cum Laude from the University of South Florida, College of Education. Upon marrying and mothering, she took a sabbatical from teaching 2nd grade for the Broward County Public School System in order to focus on family, both at home and in the funeral home.
As the Director of Bereavement Services for the family’s business she has initiated and developed many programs. These include, but are not limited to, Celebration of Life Ceremonies, professional in-service workshops, bereavement support, pre-need development, marketing, counselor training and public relations. Valerie has formed her own entity in providing self-actualization presentations and motivational seminars to children and to adults of many professions. She is recognized on both the local and national level as a public speaker and author.
In addition to her professional accomplishments Valerie’s sincere conviction for the success of the growth and advancement of the Archdiocese of Miami is evident. She is a Eucharistic Minister and spokesperson for the Archbishop’s Charities and Development for Nativity Parish, a presenter for the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women, a member of Catholic Charities and the Christian Family Movement.
Valerie’s civic involvement is also commendable. She is an adjunct professor at W.L. Philbrick School of Funeral Services and St. Thomas University, serves on the Executive Board of Directors and Family Service Advisory Committee for the Florida SIDS Alliance, is a member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, the Service Agency for Senior Citizens of Broward County, the American Business Women’s Association, and the Broward County Women’s History Coalition. She was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Hollywood Historical Society. Valerie was honored by the Mother and Daughter bonding Network as Mother of the Year recipient, 2009. Valerie is also a Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce member and ambassador and Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Women’s Glass Ceiling Award nominee in 2009. Valerie was the recipient of the Chaminade-Madonna Founders Award in 1997.
Valerie has been married to Kevin Rieth for 33 years, a Chaminade High School alum, and together they have two beautiful daughters, Alexandra and Francesca. Alexandra is a graduate of Florida State University with her Masters in Elementary Education and now teaches at Nativity Catholic School. Francesca is also a graduate of Florida State University and is currently working on her Masters Degree in Speech Pathology at Nova Southeastern University. As the circle of excellence in educating the mind, body, heart and soul continues in her family, Valerie strongly believes that the Chaminade-Madonna motto, “Toward a Better World,” is more than just words, but rather a way of life.