MCDONALD, Valerie Mildred (DeRoche)
On November 24, 2017, in her 95th year, Valerie Mildred McDonald (DeRoche) passed away gently in Dartmouth General Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.
She was predeceased by her husband, Bruce; parents, Eleanor and John; brothers, John (Doris) and Pat; sister, Gloria (John Wenning), and aunts, Mildred and Mary. She is survived by her much treasured and devoted children, Arthur (Janet) and Faith (Paul) Walker; grandchildren, Bruce (Alexandra), Heather (Andrew) Geiger, Ross (Carrie), Fraser (Ilena), Rebecca (Paul) Bailey and Mary-Eleanor (Jerry) Power, and her great grandchildren, Isabel, Jannelle, Andrea, Alexandrea, Abigail, Madison, Warren, Holly, MaryGrace and Jerry, and several nieces and nephews.
Originally from Moncton and Prince Edward Island, Valerie moved to Sydney, NS as a young girl and always called it home. She was an active member of the community with a wide circle of family and friends, whom she cared for thoughtfully and tenderly her whole life. Valerie and Bruce moved to Dartmouth in 2007 to be near their daughter, Faith and family. There, she continued to build happy and long-lasting friendships with neighbours and through many groups at Parkland at the Lakes.
Throughout her life, Valerie was a dedicated member of the United Church and UCW and eagerly contributed to countless other community groups such as Meals on Wheels and IODE. She worked at the bank before her marriage, and worked with her husband in land development in later years. In their retirement, she and Bruce loved travelling and made friends wherever they went. At home, Valerie always stayed active and enjoyed bridge, creating beautiful crocheted and knitted pieces, baking, reading and keeping up to date on current events. She could always be counted on for a warm smile and encouraging words.
Valerie’s love for her family and friends was deep and unending. She so loved time spent talking and visiting with them, at home in Dartmouth and Sydney and at the family cottage at Oakfield, Marion Bridge. Valerie’s spirit, love for others and caring and generous nature will be missed and always remembered.
Memorial services to remember and celebrate Valerie’s life will take place in Dartmouth and Sydney at later dates. Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Doctors Without Borders would be gratefully appreciated by the family.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com. (Dartmouth Chapel)