VALERIE LOUISE PARRISH

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

VALERIE LOUISE PARRISH February 18, 1950 - January 31, 2016 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Valerie Parrish. With great vigour and courage, she fought a long battle with COPD. Valerie was born in Saskatoon in 1950, and moved to Winnipeg the same year. She attended Montrose Elementary School, River Heights Junior High, and she graduated from St. Mary's Academy in 1967. Subsequently, she studied Education at the University of Manitoba, where she found her true calling - teaching. She married Cece Parrish, and moved to Calgary in 1976 where Andrea and Michael were born. After what she calls her "best years" with her kids at home, she began working with the Transitional Vocation Program at Mount Royal College. She worked diligently, creatively, and passionately, and LOVED her work. She began with teaching, moved on to marketing/job placement, and topped off her career as Program Administrator. In 1994, Valerie met Jim Moffatt. They spent 22 great years dancing through life, and finally retiring in Phoenix, Arizona. What Valerie most cherished was family and friends. The last year of her illness was a very difficult struggle. She greeted that challenge with courage and strength, as she was willing to endure anything to spend one more moment with loved ones. She leaves behind her partner Jim Moffatt, children Andrea and Michael, sister Pat (Lorne), brother Rick (Val), Jim's mother Mary, sister-in-law Darlene, and Jim's children Cheryl (son Sloan), and Richard (Allison). Friends are the family you choose, and though too many to list, Valerie loved them dearly. The family would like to thank the team of Unit 61 at the Foothills Hospital. Their care and compassion was unmatched, and brought much peace to Valerie and her loved ones. A Celebration of Valerie's Life was held in the Chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, 1605 - 100 Street SE, Calgary on Friday, February 5, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, kindly donate to the Foothills Medical Centre in Valerie's name. To express condolences, please visit: www.mountainviewmemorial.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 06, 2016