It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our wife, mom, grandma, and sister. Born in Salmon Arm to John and Evelyn Paterson, Valerie grew up in the L&A, Larkin area of Armstrong. Upon graduation she pursued a career as an RN completing her nursing degree in Kamloops. Always interested in history & ancestry, it is not surprising that she was a member of the Vernon pipers. She was often called upon to play the bagpipes for curling tournaments & piping in the haggis for Robbie Burns days. Despite growing up in the same small town, it wasn't until a trip to Toronto's CNE, where she met Barry Prouty. Their courtship continued upon returning home, marrying Barry in Armstrong April 17, 1965. They settled in on the Prouty dairy farm on Rosedale Avenue. In 1971 Barry and Valerie moved to Chase Creek. They worked hard together on the ranch clearing land & building a large herd of beef cattle. Val always had a bountiful garden and preserved and shared her harvest with family and friends. With kids in school in Chase, Valerie worked part time at the library. In 1989 they sold the ranch and returned to their roots in Armstrong. Valerie returned to caregiving in a capacity with Armstrong Home Support, volunteering at the United church, Armstrong museum, and 4H.
Valerie leaves behind her "silver fox" of 54 years Barry, daughters Jacquie (Dave) Richards, Sarah (Albert) Blackwell, grandchildren Cody and Cheyann Richards, and Murray and Marshall Blackwell. Sisters Heather (Ron) Fearn, Jean (Bob) Fouty and Cathy (Mark) Talkington. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and of course, her nursing sisters.
A celebration of Valerie's life will take place at the Armstrong United Church in the spring of 2020. We hope to see you there!
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Valerie, please donate to either the Armstrong Museum, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Armstrong Manor or Vernon Hospice.
The family would like to thank Dr. McClellan, the staff at the Vernon Hospice and Armstrong Manor for their support and care during Valerie's stay. A special thank you as well to the United church members and Armstrong community for their prayers, meals and visits. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.MyAlternatives.ca.
Arrangements entrusted to Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services, Armstrong 250-546-7237 & Vernon 250-558-0866
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services