Valerie Ardill Graham

Peacefully in Victoria, BC on September 13, 2012 at the age of 70. Valerie maintained her mental strength, wit and unwavering concern for others throughout her life. Born Eileen Valerie Ardill on March 29, 1942 in Carlow, County Carlow, Ireland to Albert Edward (known as Bertie) and Eileen Ardill (Woods). Valerie completed nurses training in Northern Ireland as well as midwifery and public health nursing in England before immigrating to Canada on February 8, 1966. Valerie nursed for over 15 years in Ingersoll, ON, Chilliwack, BC, Kingston, ON and Ottawa, ON, including 3 years in the Canadian Air Force (1966-69). Valerie was instrumental in building the national CPP Vocational Rehabilitation Program before retiring from the Federal Government in 2001.

Beloved wife of 43 years to Gary Graham, loving mother to Shane of Calgary (Miki) and Katrina of London, ON (Jason Williams). Adoring Grandma to Nola, Ronan, Alison and Connor. Valerie’s strength and love saw her through a final trip to Ireland in August 2012 to say goodbye to her brother Trevor (Carmel MacDonald), brother Allan, sisters-in-law Audrey and Noreen. Valerie will also be missed by her nieces and nephews. She was grateful to have had the opportunity to meet the new generation and see the loving mothers her nieces have become. Predeceased by her parents Albert and Eileen Ardill, brothers Eric and Harold, sister-in-law Frances.

Valerie will be greatly missed by family and friends but will live on in our hearts and our cooking! For more about Valerie’s life and to offer condolences, please visit www.mem.com. Our sincere thanks goes to the doctors and nurses on the South 7th floor at the Victoria General and at the Victoria Hospice for their compassion and care over the last few weeks. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10am on September 29, 2012 at First Memorial Funeral Services, 4725 Falaise Drive Victoria, BC (250) 658-5244. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make donations in memory of Valerie to the Victoria Hospice or Canadian Cancer Society (BC-Yukon Region, colorectal cancer).