June 17, 1942 - August 22, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
It is with heartfelt and deep sadness that we announce the passing of our lovely Valerie after her valiant struggle with her illness this past year.
Valerie passed away peacefully at Nanaimo Hospital with husband Glen and brother Bernard by her side.
Valerie is survived by Glen, her adopted children Blake and Mary-Ann, grandchildren Isaiah, Marly and Isaac and Zoey, great grandson Eric, brothers Bernard and Arnold, sister Holly, plus numerous nieces and nephews.
Valerie grew up in Coombs. While in high school she received an acting/drama scholarship for a two month course in the summer of 1958 at the UBC School of Theatre. It was at UBC that she met Glen who was taking a science course. When not in classes, they were inseparable. It was a glorious summer.
At summers end Valerie returned to her home in Coombs to resume school, and Glen to his in Parksville prior to continuing studies at UBC.
Tragically, shortly after Valerie returned home, the Valentine house burnt down. This resulted in a move to Victoria, where Valeries mother qualified as a hairdresser. The family then moved to 100 Mile house where Mrs. Valentine set up a hair salon in 1961.
It would be another 37 years before Valerie and Glen met again, after he retired from public administration and academia in Australia. By this time Valeria had returned to Parksville.
Here they married and spent many happy and wonderful years together in Parksville, Burnaby, living and working in Australia, and visits to Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Cook Islands- from 1995 on.
Valeries extensive work history included being the manager of the Simpson-Sears mail outlet in 100 Mile House, and a sales rep. at Standard furniture in Victoria. Then, after qualifying as a handicapped service worker, she worked at Glendale lodge and Queen Alexadra Hospital in Victoria.
Valerie was also qualified in Palliative care and Lay Pastoral care and worked as a volunteer for numerous Victoria organizations. While in Australia, Valerie worked as a Patient carer at Darwin Private Hospital, and as an activity co-ordinator at an aged care facility.
In Parksville, Valerie worked as a resident caregiver and manager of a homemaker program at Emerald Estates, a retirement community for seniors. In Burnaby she was the house co-ordinator at the Abbeyfield House for seniors.
So, in summary, Valerie had a productive, caring and wonderful life.
Valerie is now at peace in the loving arms of Jesus Christ, whom she has known since she was a little girl.
As Valerie wished, there will not be a funeral service. However, in honour of her memory, donations may be made on behalf of Valerie, to the BC Lung Foundation or the BC Cancer Foundation.
Thank you to Dr. Fridriksson for his kind efforts to help Valerie.
Yates Memorial Services
250-248-5859
"Lives Cherished and Celebrated"