Thinking of you today, my dear. Can’t believe that it’s already been two years. I think of you often while on my walks, and can’t help but smile!! Good memories!! 🥰❤️🥰❤️

With love and hugs,

Mark and Rosie XOXO ❤️❤️

Thinking of you, my dear. Love ya, Val!!

Rosie ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Many thanks to those of you who reached out on the anniversary of Val’s passing, whether here or in private communication. Your memories and recollections honour the vital energy Val shared with us all.

With great appreciation 
Alicja

Val, Freyja, and Rosie; February 13th, 2019.

Thinking of you today Val, and missing our gabfests!! Right now, I’m  looking at one of the angel ornaments you gave me for Christmas, 2016, and I imagine you dancing with the angels!! 

Whenever I think of you, I smile!! Thank you for the wonderful memories!! Love you lots, my dear!!

With lots of love and hugs,

Mark and Rosie XOXO 🥰🥰 ❤️❤️

Val was my first Canadian friend, so many years ago. This photo was taken at Michener Park in December of 1969, our first year at Avalon Junior High School. I remember Val as happy and giving, keen to introduce an Australian girl to Canadian ways -  how to make angels in the snow, show me the mysteries of Halloween and explain how mitts were better than gloves for the fierce Edmonton winter. All my sympathy to Val's family and loved ones on her untimely passing. 

Hilary Maddocks, Melbourne, Australia




My dear Val,

I lit a candle here for you, to let you know that I’m thinking of you today, on what would have been your 65th Birthday. I’ve sure been thinking about you the last few days, when I’m out on my walks. The weather’s been quite cold with the wind, but I can still picture you and Freya all bundled up for your walks. 😊😊

I’ll light a real candle up today and have a cup of tea for you, in your memory. I hope you’re dancing with the Angels!! Love ya, my friend.

With lots of love, hugs, and fond memories always,

Mark and Rosie XO❤️XO❤️

Val was such a complex, multi-dimensional person:    charming, sharp witted, sometimes downright hilarious, creative, kind and generous, adventurous, fearless, fiercely independent, sometimes exasperating, and occasionally self described as “a walking contradiction”.  

Val lived with verve and passion, externally and internally, looking to take in all the colour and beauty and undefinable qualities that included body, mind and spirit. 

After recovering from a serious health crisis in 2014, she intuitively knew that her Soul needed the healing properties of mountains, trees, Nature and sky. Vihara was perfect. A haven and an oasis.  I think we all knew that she was living on borrowed time there. 

With Val’s return to the city, we had been looking forward to getting into all and any kinds of mischief retired gals could get into. We hadn’t expected her health to slide so quickly. 

I’m particularly glad that Val had a chance, in December to attend the Edmonton Symphony presentation of Handel’s Messiah. She was enthralled. 

That was the last outing we were able to take. Her health was becoming more and more fragile.

I’ve known Val for 23 years. In all that time, whether Val was in close proximity, or at Vihara, doing what she needed to do, we were always in touch, sharing, supporting each other.  

Val was my best friend, confidante and partner. 

She taught me that rules are merely suggestions; to trust and follow my intuitions; to be fierce when it’s needed; that spontaneity is good for the soul; and to experience everything with depth and passion. 

I will miss her fiercely. 


Zwolle, the Netherlands.

In memory of dearVal.

My sincere condolences to you Alicja, Mr R. Finnemore, sisters Wanda, Linda Donna and their partners and families. 
-------

Val has been many years a reliable open minded  friend. The distance between our countries, made that her and I exchanged a lot of  e- letters, photos, music, birthday , Christmas gifts.  And  once in a while phone calls. 
She was an interesting  writer and story teller, with a creative mind.  So many what inspired her.  She made me part of her life. Her interest for nature , wildlife,  flowers, dogs, travelling,  history books or sharing her own written poems or Haiku's - She amazed me often with her funny, positive attitude, and wisdom in her stories. She took me with her on these  life paths.

Her inner strenght , courage and endurance was amazing strong.  What a '' miracle '' she was.
Val, enriched my life in so many ways. My deepest  respect. 
Thank You Dear Val. I miss you..and  hold  our friendship memories in my heart Forever...

Wish you all, lot's of love , strength and healing during the times of mourning 
My thought are there with you.

Hugs, kiss and much Love.

Lidy Sibelt Zwolle
The Netherlands.


.




Stunning vistas from Val’s deck included this beautiful view of Table Mountain.

There were always yummy treats served at Val’s deck. Siskins and squirrels were welcomed visitors.

Dear Alicja, Mr. Finnemore, and to all of Val’s family and loved ones,

Please accept our most heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved Val.

Keep the wonderful memories that you have of her alive in your hearts, as nobody can ever take those away from you. Speak her name often. Her spirit and light does shine on. 

Hear her with your heart. Feel her with your soul.

“What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply, becomes a part of us.”  -  Helen Keller

As my beloved Grandpa King used to say, “Good-bye is too final, so let’s just say so-long.” So-long Val. Thanks for the memories!! 

Thank you for sharing so much of your wisdom with me, and for all of your kindness, generosity, acceptance, snorting laughter, and colourful language!! You will always hold a very special place in my heart. 

We are keeping you all close in our hearts; in our thoughts and in our prayers.

With love and hugs, and our very deepest sympathy,

Mark and Rosie S.
Edmonton, Alberta 



Heartfelt condolences Alicja and to all of Val’s family as you go through this difficult time of loss. As neighbours of Val’s when she lived on the Buckhorn Rd west of Pincher Creek we marveled at her independent spirit to live alone on a high hillside braving the East Slope extremes. But she stood her ground, embracing the solitude of her beloved mountain views and all that nature presented. Despite a devoted and rewarding career as an educator, Val’s early job as a fire lookout operator in the Rockies obviously made a lasting impression which ultimately led her back to the mountains. Although it’s heartbreaking to say a final goodbye we know Val’s spirit can forever soar in the mountains. Big hugs to you all…wishing you peace and comfort.

OBITUARY

Valerie Gaye Finnemore

December 3, 1957 – September 15, 2022

Hainstock's Funeral Home & Crematorium

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