Obituary of Dr. Valerie Kendall

July 15, 1942– Salisbury, Wiltshire, England

October 1, 2022 – Okotoks, Alberta

Dr. Valerie Kendall (nee Ward), beloved wife of Trevor Kendall, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at the age of 80 years.

Valerie was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England on July 15, 1942. She emigrated from England, moving to Calgary, AB, in 1975.

Valerie graduated from Newport Girl’s High School Academy in Shropshire, EN, and went on to attend Alsager Teachers Training College in Cheshire, EN, followed by earning her B.P.E. at the University of Calgary, her Diploma in Education (Guidance) at the University of Calgary, her Master of Arts (Counselling) at the University of Gonzaga, Spokane, WA, and her Ph.D. (Psych.) at Saybrook University, Pasadena, CA.

Valerie worked as an educator, consultant, resource/counselling, team leader, and teacher for diverse age-groups and varied socio-economic communities in multiple school sites for Calgary Board of Education, Calgary, AB, and Shropshire Education Authority, Shropshire, England, prior. She also worked with First Nations students frequently in her classes. She then retired from teaching and went into private practice and working for health providers.

Valerie married Trevor in 1967.

Valerie was a member of many Professional Organizations, including, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, Canadian Psychological Association, College of Alberta Psychologists, Psychological Association of Alberta, Alberta Play Therapy Association, Association for Play Therapy, Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy, Natural Health Practitioners of Canada, American Board of Hypnotherapy, and the Canadian Federation of Clinical Hypnosis (Alberta Society).

Valerie had a variety of interests, including Trauma and Sound Research, Debut Opera, Past Board Marketing Director, as well as being an Opera and Drama performer. She also enjoyed many sports such as field hockey, swimming, skiing, biking, walking, golf, and bowling. She was also a Canada Olympic Park Volunteer, and enjoyed bible study, writing, poetry, gardening and travel. Valerie’s most memorable vacation was when she and Trevor visited Kruger Safari Park and Capetown in South Africa.

Valerie’s favourite saying was “turn the lights off!”

She will be most remembered for her loving care for others.

Besides her loving husband Trevor, Valerie is survived by her son Jason, daughters Anna and Natasha; and her grandchildren Abel, Shiloh, Jeshua, Miriam, Eden, Isaiah, Josiah, Naomi, Hannah, Zion, and Sunshine. Valerie is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Leslie and John, of Telford, EN, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Valerie was predeceased by her parents.

A Private Celebration of Valerie’s Life will be held for family and friends at the Southwood Community Hall. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here. R.S.V.P. to sandyhracs@hotmail.com or 403-256-6746.

In living memory of Dr. Valerie Kendall, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.