We, Val’s family share a broken heart. We miss our lovely, funny, kind, creative, wise and beautiful matriarch. A woman who said, “I take people as I find them,” shared easy smiles and a cheeky humour with many. The strength and dignity that Mum exhibited throughout her illness was extraordinary. For the benefit of her family, Val led us with fortitude to accept what could not be changed. We celebrate a woman whose love for us overcame a need for sorrow: Mum, we remain strong because of your grace and courage.
Our Val’s creative endeavours were many: spinning, weaving, knitting, painting, gardening and beautifying her home with treasures she collected from her love of travel. Mum enjoyed history, reading, walking, hockey, opera, ballet, art and her cooking was truly appreciated and remembered by many happy recipients.
Like her children, Grandma’s grandchildren and great granddaughter were lucky to have her on their side: a woman whose love and adoration was never in doubt and who took unabashed pride in them. Generous with her children, Mum had a winning way with her children’s spouses. She believed in a love that an extended family brings and fostered this desire within us. All were welcome.
January 6, 1942 - January 5, 2020
Valerie was a beauty from birth, born in Blackburn, Lancashire, England on January 6, 1942 to parents Joan and Allan Hill and beloved by her stepfather,
Tom Greaves and younger sisters Vivienne and Virginia.
The love of those who carry on in her memory and celebrate her goodness is shared by many, including her loving children: Tracey (Jon) Gittins, Jonathan McWhir (Joanne Weetman), Kate (Brent) Bamford, Joanne (Fred) Breeze, David (Vicki) McWhir and her grandchildren; Alexandra (Luke), Zoe (Nick), Isabel, Nathan, Claire, Ben, Joshua, Sydney, Amanda, Chloe, Matthew, Jack and her great granddaughter Olivia Valerie. Val will be lovingly missed by her two sisters
and their respective families: Vivienne (Willy) King and Virginia (Nick) Marando.
She is also deeply mourned by Peter McWhir, former husband and lifelong friend.
On behalf of Valerie, her family expresses our deepest gratitude to those who journeyed with us. The attentive caregivers and doctors who tended to
Val so wonderfully created lasting impressions of beneficence: for that we are eternally grateful.
A sincere thank you to everyone at Fish Creek United Living for their care and love, and filling Mum’s life with happiness and friendship while she called your place home.
Of special mention, we would also like to thank the staff and volunteers from Foothills Country Hospice. Your amazing compassion and care helped Val and her family through the difficult last chapter of her life.
While Val found love in her many friendships, we are honouring her wish for a small, private family gathering to celebrate her life. If so desired, in the spirit of Mum’s inclusive nature, donations to your own causes are welcome in her memory. Mum would particularly appreciate considerations to the ALS Society, the Foothills Country Hospice Society, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, and Asthma Canada.
Mum recently discovered a remarkable hidden talent for painting. Mother, while you paint your stars in heaven’s sky, we look up to you and are comforted as your love shines down on us all. Mum, you said that your heart is your family, our hearts beat on for you. To express condolences please visit www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral Homes Ltd. (High River) 403 652 2222.
