It is with great sadness that we share that Valerie Margaret Stanley (nee Cousineau) passed on Sunday, February 2 at the age of 78.

Valerie was fortunate to call the lower mainland her home for almost her entire life. She graduated from Little Flower Academy and worked a variety of jobs where she was known for her keen sense of humour, her devotion to Jeopardy, her late in life adoration of cats (particularly the wonderful Casey and Riley), and love of a good word puzzle. She would do anything for a drive through Stanley Park to celebrate each season, a road trip with her kids, a good Tim’s steeped tea and ketchup chips. Through tough times, nobody got back on the horse better or faster than Valerie. She never walked out the door without her hair done, or her makeup and perfume skillfully applied. And nobody could convey an emotion through facial expression like her.

Valerie’s greatest accomplishment was raising her two children, Lisa & Brice. She taught them how to be independent, value family above all, and to be kind. She will be missed with an unimaginable passion, but we are comforted knowing she will always be on road trips with us in spirit.

Valerie is survived by Lisa and Brice as well as her siblings Bryan (Jan) and Michelle (Graeme) as well as her nieces, nephew and a large extended family and is predeceased by her parents Edward and Peggy Cousineau.

A casual celebration of Valerie’s beautiful life is being held on Sunday, February 9 at the Black Bear Pub at 1177 Lynn Valley Road from 3:00-6:00.