February 14, 1948 - July 31, 2023
In loving memory ~
Valerie died in hospice with MAID, after a 10-month journey with Stage 4 aggressive lymphoma. She was offered a sliver of hope, and being the positive person she was, agreed to a difficult treatment regime. On completion of this, she was told that the cancer had returned. Organized and detailed, she got her affairs in order and moved into Hospice.
Valerie was a free spirit. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, she completed a degree at U of A. She lived on a commune in Alberta in the '60s, and spent 35 years in Hawaii. She was a scuba diving instructor, a wilderness trail guide, a bookkeeper, a Hawaii marriage commissioner and health care aide, among other interesting jobs. She lived off the grid in Holualoa on the Big Island of Hawaii for many years, before purchasing a house, which she remodelled, mostly by herself in Hawaii Ocean View. Hawaii was her spiritual home and she changed her name to reflect this. Her family has many memories of the wonderful times spent visiting her in her paradise.
She moved back to Canada several years ago to be closer to her family. She became involved in the community, volunteering with public health at Baby Clinics, School Clinics and Covid vaccination clinics. She easily made friends due to her positive attitude and seeing the best in every person and situation.
She was much loved and will be missed by her long-term friend, Rick Sanborn of Holualoa, Hawaii, her sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Alan Lanyon of Merville, nephew and his wife, Spencer Lanyon and Kim Sanchez of Port Alberni, and cousins Dorothy Spencer and Linda Windel. Also her many friends in Canada and in the USA with whom she kept contact by phone calls, emails and texts. Her calendar is full of dates of all her friends' birthdays, so she could send birthday wishes.
Valerie would like to thank all the medical staff, EMTs, lab techs, nurses and many many others involved in her care at the Comox Valley Hospital, the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Comox Valley Community Care and the Vancouver Island Cancer Centre. Special thanks to Dr. Tyler Falk, Dr. Murphy, Dr. Genge. Dr Prinsloo, Dr. VanZyl, Dr. Hunter and Dr. Cassels. And the many friends who supported her, especially Janet, Carolyn, Georgie, Jill, Brian and Jenni. Also, a big thank you to her cousin Dorothy who stepped in when needed.
No service by request. Donations may be made in her name to the Comox Valley Hospice Society, or the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation. (comoxhospice.ca.
cvhealthcarefoundation.com)
Condolences may be offered at
www.telfordtoneffboyd.ca
Toneff Funeral Services