Obituaries

VALERIE L. MCKAY

(nee ROMAS)

With great sadness Valerie’s family announce her passing at Riverview Health Centre on May 18, 2020 at age 82. She is survived by Robert, her loving husband of 60 years, daughters Beverly (Robert Cook) and Catherine, plus grandson William (Joelle) and great granddaughter Saoirse.

Valerie completed her schooling and secretarial college in Winnipeg where she was born and raised. She worked as a secretary in Winnipeg and Ottawa. In 1955 she met Robert (an RCAF pilot) on a blind date and they married in 1959. As a military wife there were many transfers to different cities. With each move Valerie created a home for her family by searching out cultural, sporting and social activities. She was an avid tennis and badminton player. She also enjoyed downhill and cross-country skiing, yoga, music and playing the piano. She was known for her cooking and dinner parties, and enjoyed going to small ethnic restaurants. Valerie loved cats and was accepting of other odd pets collected by her daughters–except for garter snakes. She had a quiet, welcoming demeanour, a sharp sense of humour and the ability to offer sage advice when asked. Her willingness to humour her family’s interests including canoeing, camping and a move to Mexico with Robert later in life says something about her character. We all miss her very dearly.

In accordance with Valerie’s wishes, she has been cremated. A family gathering will eventually be held to celebrate her life.

Our very sincere thanks to the kind staff at Riverview Health Centre D2.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, a donation could be made to a charity of your choice or the Winnipeg Humane Society.