My sincerest condolences to Val's family. She could light up gathering with her infectious laugh and smile. She was a great teacher and much admired by staff and students for her thoughtfulness and support for everyone.

Terry Allen, Principal SWC

1982-1990

As long-time colleagues and friends, we are saddened by the loss of Val's lovely and dynamic presence. She faced the world and its challenges head on with a sense of adventure and boundless good cheer. We treasure all her guidance over the years about how to live a good life and how to raise two sons - her advice often delivered in humorous one-liners. We have fond memories of the times Val hosted Golden Bulldogs' (retired SWC staff) Christmas parties and wine-making competitions.We share with her family and many friends the immense good fortune we have had to have known her. Erich and Carol Berndt

I became the Principal at SWC in 1996-I think. Val was there on staff. As part of my entry to the school I had an interview with each member of staff. I always remember that Val asked if we could go for a walk and talk...that was wonderful. Many of my interviews afterwards were walks and talks. Val was an excellent teacher, great with young people and an excellent colleague. She was someone I always knew I could rely on to be honest, frank and caring. I loved working with her and want to take this opportunity to tell her family how much her work mattered, what a fine colleague she was, and what tremendous impact she had in her career. My thoughts are with you all. Jill Wyatt, former SWC Principal

Val was an excellent teacher mentor. When I first came to teach at Churchill in 1993, I had not taught Science 10 before. Val was very experienced in teaching Science 10, and was more than helpful to me, supplying ideas, resources, methods and tricks, support and good humour always. She not only helped students succeed in her own classes, but by extension, helped those in my classes too.She knew when to be rigorous with students, and when to go easy, and I learned that from her. She cared for students and teachers alike. We were also members of Country Hills Golf Club for a few years, and so I golfed several times with Val and Larry, and I remember those times fondly too.

I have known Val for many years, both as a colleague and as a friend.

Although we often marvel at nature’s beauty - we are sometimes fortunate to find this beauty in a friend and colleague; becoming beneficiaries of their goodness and kindness that they share. I want to take this moment Val, to appreciate your kindness, your wisdom and your thoughtfulness.

Condolence to Val’s family and the rest of her friends for she will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life. ~Albert Einstein

Leowne Ferguson

We first met and were blessed to know and befriend this lovely, caring, beautiful lady. She was an inspiration to all and was always willing to give a helping hand to those in need. We will miss her spirit and her lovely smile. Rest in peace Val. You are truly missed by everyone you touched. Roy and Lizz Uchman

My deepest condolences to Val’s family. Val was a wonderful person, and will be greatly missed. She was a people person and enjoyed life to the fullest. She was so happy in the last year that she had a new daughter-in-law, plus a wonderful new grandson.Both being recent widows we spent a lot of time together in Arizona this past winter, and she was always ready to help me out with any problems I had. Rest In Peace Val.

Ruth Baumann

I had the pleasure of golfing with Val a couple of times a week as well as singing in the choir with her in AZ. She loved to tease and she loved to laugh. I will miss her smile and sparkling eyes. My condolences to her family.

Val sang in our Choraliers group in AZ. She was a wonderful person - always willing to help. She will be greatly missed. Prayers to her family.

Rest in peace Val, although the time we could share was short, we loved you from the first moment we met you ...

You became Lauti's grandmother of love and you opened the doors of your heart and your family to us.

From the first day I knew that you were a great woman and proof of this is the wonderful son you now leave me as a partner. I promise to take care of him and be close always ..

Yesterday Lauti said: in the sky there is a new star mommy, which is my grandmother Val ... You will always be with us ...

To Val's dear Family,

My name is Pam Ostick and I sang with Val in her Sweet Adeline chorus, Alberta Gold. I will always remember her terrific smile and wonderful singing voice. She was such a lovely, sweet lady and lots of fun. My sympathies and prayers go out to you all. May your many treasured memories console you and give you peace at this sad time. Take care and God bless.