November 2nd, 1929 - September 19th, 2006
It is with great sadness we announce Valerie’s passing after a courageous battle with cancer. Val was predeceased by husband Bud and leaves to mourn, her family of whom she was most proud; Terry (Graham) Baird, Susan (Laurae) O’Dwyer, Liz (John) Flanders, Scott Flanders and Jennifer (Cliff) Flanders-Rose. Grandchildren: Tricia, Terra, Riley, Rejean, Katie, Megan, Derrick, Vallie, Cameron, Curtis and Julianna. Great grandchildren: Jordan, Rylan, Mackenzie and many cherished nieces and nephews and siblings. Val was born in Vancouver to Evelyn and Lee Christieson and spent most of her childhood in East Vancouver. She attended Templeton High and worked for BC Tel before meeting and marrying Bud which began their life long adventure. Their construction jobs took them throughout the province as they added each child to the family. They settled in Castlegar during our growing up years and Mom worked as a legal secretary while raising her brood. Each weekend was spent exploring the countryside, camping at Christina Lake or roughing it in trapper’s cabin in Findley Creek. Bud and Val realized a long time dream by relocating to Celista on the Shuswap, a place where Dad grew up and they shared many happy moments as young honeymooners. They embraced the farm lifestyle with an old homestead house, huge garden and animals, along with all the calamity and hilarity that entails! Over the years they opened their home and hearts to a multitude of family and friends and often complete strangers who quickly became friends. Although they often travelled away for jobs the Shuswap remained their home base and a gathering point for all. We will remember Mom as a person brimming with life and endless enthusiasm for world events and a fierce love for her family and her country. A woman who was never without an opinion and who expected you to have one too! We will miss you immensely Mom, as there was no other person quite like you. We thank you and we love you dearly Mom. In lieu of flowers we would ask that donations be sent to The Marjorie Willouby Snowden Hospice, 72 Whiteshield Cres. South, Kamloops, BC, V3E 2S9. We will be eternally grateful for the loving care and attention Mom received there by many dedicated and wonderful people and we wish to continue to support their efforts.