Valerie Hewson

On Thursday, November 3, 2022, Valerie Hewson, loving mother and nana, passed away at age seventy-eight. Born to Olive Kathleen and William Roy Martin, Valerie was the proud sister to Michael David Martin. She was predeceased by her husband, Allan David Hewson. Valerie devoted her life and gave her full heart to her three daughters, Paulette Bellerby, Joanne Hewson, and Amy Hewson; her “informally adopted” extra daughter Kelly Chater; as well as her sons-in-law, John Bellerby, J-P Walton, and Marciano Pizzo. Valerie cherished, and was immensely proud every day of her grandchildren: Matthew, Sarah, Emma, and Samantha Bellerby, Jordan and Brennan Walton, and Violet and Natalie Pizzo. Family and friends were the centre of Valerie’s world. She found immense joy in time shared with mother-in-law Marjorie Bowerman, brothers-in-law Michael and Brian, sisters-in-law Liz, Sharland, and Kate, nieces Ellie, Rachel, and Georgia, and nephews Martin, Alastair, and Ian. As well, beloved lifetime friends Sue Atkins and June Gordon were always by her side and shared many meaningful memories together. She maintained close contact through many letters with family and friends from the UK, and in Canada, enjoyed ongoing friendships with Joyce and Chris, Erma, and her former colleagues from her career at Humber College. Valerie’s family is deeply thankful for the many people that loved her and shared in Valerie’s world.

Valerie and Allan emigrated to Canada in 1966, sailing aboard the RMS Franconia. After first working in a law firm in Toronto and a subsequent detour via Meaford, Valerie eventually joined Humber College, where she spent many enjoyable years supporting the College’s leadership with great skill, strength, and compassion. At Humber College, Valerie found a fulfilling life surrounded by many treasured colleagues. Over those years, Valerie also completed a Bachelor of Arts (York University), as well as a Masters of Arts in Education (Central Michigan University) through part-time study. Valerie found joy in painting, and many of her works adorn the walls of her family’s homes. She also devoted many days to the creation of an ancestry book to ensure that our family story lived on. Her greatest hobby, though, was time spent with family and friends. She loved supporting her children and grandchildren, sharing in every important life event with her full heart. Valerie extended this support of children beyond her own, to also support multiple children in developing countries, and she similarly derived great joy in seeing them grow up from afar, through a regular exchange of letters with them.

Valerie led a life of authenticity, respect for others, gratitude, and giving. Her family are indebted to her for being a living example of these life skills every day, and for making us all (family and friends alike) better people for having lived a life with her at our sides.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the many staff and medical professionals who have cared for Valerie over the years, including Dr. Sara Armani, Oak Ridges Retirement Home, and the Toronto Western and Cortellucci Vaughan Hospitals.

A Private Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, November 13th, 2022 at the Thompson Funeral Home on Industrial Parkway South. In lieu of giving flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, or a children’s charity, such as the Toronto SickKids Foundation®.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ThompsonFH-Aurora.com for the Hewson family.