Obituary of Valerie Davoren

DAVOREN: Valerie

May 16, 1935 – August 3, 2021

 

Born Isobel Valerie Heather on May 16, 1935 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Edmund & Elizabeth Powell. Valerie is predeceased by her parents, husband Les Davoren, brother Nelson, son Kirk and nephews Ricky and Michael, niece Barbara. She is survived by her daughters Kimberley (Kevin), Kerrilee (Gordon) and Lesley; her grandchildren Matthew, Kiel (Sheila), Nicholas, Cody (Jenna), Keli (Tom) and Cory; her great grandchildren Kendra, Ava and Jack; her sisters-in-law Betty, Pat and Bonnie; her brother-in-law John, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A woman of grace, courage, compassion & laughter. She began her professional life as a switchboard operator for the railway, then in the remote northern community of Gillam, Manitoba served as the Public Health practitioner, was a Conveyancer, Judicial Secretary for Justices serving northern British Columbia & the Yukon and secretary for St. Dunstan’s Anglican Church. Valerie lived in many communities stretching from Manitoba to Vancouver Island. In all of them she was drawn to serve, support and encourage marginalized individuals either through the Anglican Church, organizations focused on children with special needs, the Elizabeth Fry Society and Covenant House. She saw the human being not their circumstances and in her gentle, loving manner sought to lift others up and over barriers which held them back.

She was a woman of many passions. Her first and greatest was literature. Books were her friends providing entertainment, education and solace. She was a fabulous cook and entertainer, participated in Community Theatre behind the scenes and on stage, she loved singing and music (was particularly fond of Jazz and Opera). Valerie’s physical presence will be deeply missed by her family, friends and the many lives she touched. The love she gave will forever be in our hearts.

In sincere gratitude Valerie’s daughters thank the assisted living community of Evergreen Timbers, Langley BC for their exceptional support and care in these last years of her life. After settling in at Evergreen Timbers she was often heard to say “I live in a perpetual state of satisfaction”. 

A Celebration & Thanksgiving of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at St. Dunstan Anglican Church 3025 - 264 Street Aldergrove, BC. Flowers gratefully declined in favour of donations to St. Dunstan Garden of Remembrance.

 

Zoom Link for Valerie's service:  

https://zoom.us/j/93872669480pwd=djZXQVRBaE9UNDgyakcvamxQMHVtQT09