Obituary of Valerie Joan Herring

June 28, 1953 - Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

January 2, 2025 - Calgary, Alberta

Valerie Herring, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at the age of 71 years.

Valerie was born in Prince Albert, SK, on June 28, 1953. She later moved to Calgary, AB, in the early 80s, where she started a family.

Valerie graduated from nursing school as a RPN (Registered Psychiatric Nurse), and spent her long professional life helping patients in the mental health wards of Calgary General Hospital and Peter Lougheed Hospital. 

Valerie had spent many hours volunteering, including time with the Diabetes Association, as well as volunteering in her daughter’s schools and many activities throughout their childhoods. Valerie accomplished much throughout her life and was particularly proud of her achievements and awards for nursing excellence. Additionally, she was quite proud of her youthful appearance, especially the lack of grey in her beautiful brown hair, and never missed a chance to brag about how many stylish pieces of clothing she had bought from her daughter Diana.

Valerie had a deep passion for music and could often be heard singing at the top of her lungs and dancing wherever she went. In her later years, she furthered her creative passions by joining a craft group and was particularly enthusiastic about crochet. It is rare to find someone who had met Valerie who didn’t have one of her crocheted creations. Throughout her lifetime, she also could be found at the bowling alley and was part of many teams throughout her years. When she wasn’t out doing one of her many activities, she could be found at home watching many movies and shows, especially Star Wars.

Valerie enjoyed lots of travel throughout her life, some of which were to Poland, where her family has deep roots, traveling the United States, Canada, and most recently to Victoria, BC. 

Some of her many favourite songs that could be heard wherever she went were Classical Gas, Dust In The Wind, anything by Adele, and especially the entire repertoire of Supertramp. She will also be greatly remembered for her vibrant and costumed rendition of the children’s song Purple Stew.

She will be most remembered for her kindness towards everyone, especially those in need, her love of animals (especially her cat Bandit), and her free-spirited nature.

Valerie is survived by her two daughters, Jennifer Herring and Diana Herring; and her soon to be son-in-law Andrew Gautron, all residing in Calgary, AB; and by her beloved cat Bandit, with whom she had great joy in sharing companionship with.

Valerie is also survived by her one brother Tom Gomulczak, two sisters and two brothers-in-law, Stephanie Hiebert (Reg Hiebert) of Calgary, AB, and Carol Sokolowski (Jim Sokolowski) of Edmonton, AB; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews and their partners, including Steven Hiebert, Kim and Jacob Leski, Randi Beauvais and Tristan Turpin, Melisa Beauvais, Teresa Sokolowski and Andrei Ghila, Amanda Sokolowski, Doug Sokolowski and Lauren Stadel, Jared Herring, Kassie Marshall, Alyssa Herring and Jackson Sinclair, Caitlin Herring and Jamie White-Sanches, as well as their son Raymond, Jason and Alena Herring, Heather and Joel Loewen, and Matthew Herring. She had also claimed several friends of her daughters as honorary daughters over the years, and was also survived by her many loved cousins, and friends. 

Valerie was predeceased by her parents, Mary and Stanley Gomulczak; her sister Rosalie Beauvais, brother-in-law Roy Beauvais, and nephew Ryan Beauvais. 

A Visitation and Gathering will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear her favourite colour, which was red.  

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Valerie’s family here.

Some of Valerie’s favourite flowers included lilies, roses, and lilacs. If those who loved Valerie wish to show support, flowers or donations in her name to the MEOW Foundation (35 Skyline Crescent NE, Calgary, AB
T2K 5X2) https://meowfoundation.com/donate/ would be appreciated.

In living memory of Valerie Herring, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.