We are sorry to announce the peaceful passing of Valerie Gaye Thornton in Nanaimo General Hospital Palliative Care Wing on November 1, 2012 at the age of 54.
Valerie was born and raised in Edmonton Alberta. She attended Winnifred Stuart School, went to L.Y Cairns Vocational School, and went on to work for Goodwill Industries of Alberta for 21 years. She retired in 2006 and moved to Vancouver Island with her parents in 2009 to be closer to her brother and family.
Valerie is predeceased by her Father Peter Thornton, and survived by her Mother Emily Thornton, Brother Philip Thornton, and his immediate family, relatives in the U.K. and many family friends that had the privilege of knowing her. She will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. One or two words can’t really describe Val... A great sister and a better friend... Not a mean bone in her body. Valerie touched everyone she met in a different way ... that was her gift to us...to live life to the best of her ability and make the best of all and every moment....that was her gift to me/us.
She enjoyed bowling, swimming, (was swimming in the Carribbean/Cancun in March with her brother) going out for a meal. She always insisted (“Now I really do insist”) on picking up the bill. One of her favorite things to do was visit all the relatives in the U.K., which she did in April of 2011.She attended her Auntie/Uncle Reg’s 60th wedding anniversary and also helped Philip spread her father’s ashes as requested by Peter. She loved to help with any and all household jobs...cleaning, cooking, laundry, setting up the kitchen table for dinner helping clean after supper...she was a joy to have around. When you would tease her about something silly she had a few priceless sayings such as: “Get real!”, “Be serious!”, “Not likely!”, or “You’ve got to be joking!” If ever she said “Do you know what I fancy?” We always knew we were headed to Dairy Queen for a strawberry sundae! Whenever one of these one liners was announced everyone had a great laugh...
A celebration of Valerie’s life will be held in Edmonton on November 17, 2012 at Bonnie Doon Bowling Lanes at 1 pm, during the Happy Rollers Bowling League. Another celebration will be held in Parksville on November 15, 2012 at Choices on Memorial Avenue at 12 pm.
In lieu of flowers we suggest donations to the Happy Rollers Bowling League at Bonnie Doon Lanes. Valerie has left a generous donation to Catholic Social Services and Goodwill Industries. I would like to thank ALL of the people who were involved with love and support of Valerie during her travels thru life.
You helped to create the sweet, beautiful person Valerie was.