Mrs. Valerie Anne Thibault

Valerie is survived by husband Howard, daughter Andrea Thibault-McNeill, son-in-law Todd McNeill, grandson Noel, sisters Margaret Mehrer (Melvin) and Wendy Abramson (Randy), sister-in-law Janice Paulovich, numerous nieces and nephews and her extended family in both Canada and Scotland.

She was predeceased by her parents Thomas and Euphemia Johnstone.

Val was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1950. At two years of age, she set sail on the Empress of Scotland with her mom and older sister Margaret to join her father in Canada. Val grew up in Calgary and at 18 met and fell in love with her husband and soul mate Howard. They were married two and a half years later after Howard joined the Air Force. As a military couple, they had the good fortune to live in and experience most regions of Canada, from Nova Scotia to Vancouver Island, and also spent four exciting years in Washington D.C. These experiences allowed Val to do what she did best, cultivate and nourish friendships from coast to coast and across borders that have endured a lifetime.

In 1977, Val became a mother to Andrea, a role she cherished above all others. For years she was a stay-at-home mom and volunteered for everything Andrea was involved in, Brownies, school trips and a number of school committees. She loved every minute of it! When Andrea became older, Val re-entered the workforce and held a variety of office administration positions. As with everything in her life, Val loved the comradery and the special relationships that came with being in the workplace.

When Val and Howard retired, they travelled extensively, visiting Europe, Mexico, Northern Africa and her birth place, Scotland. On the home front, Val remained physically active, golfing in the summer and curling in the winter. She also enjoyed staying mentally active and for years participated in a weekly bridge club and monthly book club.

In 2012, Val welcomed her grandson Noel into the world. During Andrea's maternity leave, Val enjoyed spending the days with her growing family, going to the park, Fort Whyte Centre, the library and the zoo where Noel and his grandma could be found on a weekly basis. When Andrea returned to work, Val and Howard looked after Noel full time for a year, a role that Val loved and considered a privilege. Nothing made Val prouder than being a grandma to her little "Honey Bunny."

A Memorial Service to celebrate Val's life will be held on Monday, November 14, 2016 at 10:00 am at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.

Val and her family would like to thank her oncology team at Cancer Care Manitoba and the nursing staff on the 6th Floor West at St. Boniface Hospital for their outstanding care and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations to CancerCare Manitoba at 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0V9, would be gratefully appreciated.