It is with great sadness that the family announce the passing of Walburga Marie Belliveau on March 9, 2021. Her loving husband held her hand and comforted her during the end of her journey. She was in no pain and held tightly to his hand for as long as she could. John was the love of her life. This October they will have been married 64 years.
Wally was born in Sydney Nova Scotia July 24, 1937, the daughter of the late George and Henrietta (Tobin) Schmid.
Immediately after graduating Wally joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, she was a Medical Clerk Typist, she served for 3 years. This is where she met John. They married and soon welcomed into the world their three children, Brenda Marie, Robert Paul and Michael Edward.
As an Air Force wife, Wally enjoyed adventure. She saw sights she wouldn't otherwise see, and travelled more than many other people. After 20 years of service, John took early retirement. New experiences were on the horizon, one of which was snow, in a beautifully scenic winter wonderland, named Mackenzie, B.C.
The family moved from Vancouver Island when John began a new career with BC Tell. By then the children were older so Wally went to work outside of the home. She worked for the Post-Office, she was such a peoples person, that it was a perfect fit and she was sad to leave, yet new adventure was calling again.
Wally and John, bought the Radio Shack Electronics Store in Houston BC. Wally was a shrewd business woman. John went on to buy a Gravel Truck and to help build logging roads. Mom and Dad both worked very hard till finally they sold their businesses.
In 1997 Wally & John retired and settled into their new home in Vernon BC. Whether on a cruise or travelling south to Arizona for the winter, they enjoyed each other's company while exploring new things. Wally made friends wherever she went, she had a warm heart & bubbly nature, which naturally drew people to her.
Sadly Wally and John were pre-deceased by their eldest son, Robert Paul. Also Wally's two brothers, George (Elaine) and John (Corinne) Schmid passed before her.
Predeceased also by her mother and father-in-law Camille and Edna, as well as her brothers and sisters-in-law Dorilla (Howard), Rita (Arthur), Emery (Annie), Lorraine (Bill), Ivan, and Nita (John).
Wally is survived by her husband, John Belliveau: her daughter, Brenda and son Michael: grandchildren Shiloh and Keom Poirier; as well as great grandchildren; Aila, Aiden Poirier and Cash Winchester, Tessa, Lincoln and Declan Poirier.
She was a beloved sister to Theresa (Jerry) Brenner. They were lifelong friends.
Wally was much-loved by all her nieces and nephews. Wally's nieces, Helen Brenner, Anita Fisher, and Cindy Hunt wrote and phoned Wally often; bringing laughter and smiles to Wally's days, which meant a lot to us. Her first cousins Hans Peter, Bernard and Rita in Germany will also dearly miss Wally and are thankful for the time they shared with her. Her brother-in-law and wife, Clarence & Luise Belliveau and their children will sadly miss her too. Wally is also survived by her brothers-in-law Raymond (Edna), David (Marcella), and John.
Wally was a proud loving mother and wife. She was the historian and treasurer of family memories; always writing letters, keeping us all connected and loved.
Wally was a devout Catholic who attended church every Sunday. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, all the ladies loved getting together for lunch.
For many years she volunteered at the Historic O'Keefe Ranch General Store. She loved to play cards, do puzzles, read, swim, some casino fun, and bingo. She very much enjoyed her tv game shows: she was delighted to be selected to be on "The Price is Right" TV show, and she won! She enjoyed picking the strawberries from her husband's garden and of course we all enjoyed her strawberry shortcakes, very very much.
We will always carry your memory in our hearts, till we meet again, from your loving family.
Your memory is our keepsake, with which we'll never part. God has you in His keeping, we have you in our hearts.
Arrangements in care of Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, Vernon, B.C. 250-542-4333
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