Valerie Lynn (Hager) Menard Obituary (1945

Valerie Lynn Menard (nee Hager), of Nanaimo BC, died peacefully on January 15th at the age of 78 years. Valerie was born in Kenora, Ontario, the first child of Alvin and Kathleen (Kay) Hager. The oldest of five children, she and her sister Judy were often inseparable as kids. With Alvin playing his accordion and Kay on piano, it was a house of endless laughter and music that became even more chaotic with the arrival of her brothers, Ricky and Randy. Gail, the youngest, restored the calm somewhat. Valerie worked at Lakeland Dairies while attending Beaver Brae High School. She would sneak ice cream to her younger brothers when they came to see her. Soon after graduating, she left for the bright lights of Winnipeg, where she worked for the Winnipeg Symphony in the 1960s. She then trained as a paralegal and eventually started work with Diamond & Adleman law firm in Transcona, where she stayed for the remainder of her career. Valerie met the love of her life, Ken Menard, in Winnipeg. They were married in 1968, celebrating their 55th anniversary last year. She was always proud of (and happy to tell anyone who would listen about) their two sons, Keith and Ryan. Above all, Valerie loved to be a joker, a trade which she would apply in all opportunities, regardless of the situation. She was always laughing and smiling, even displaying her mischievous grin in her final weeks. Valerie had that amazing ability to talk to anyone and she could always make a connection. She loved to sing and listen to music, and to drag Ken on to dancefloors. Valerie is survived by her husband and sons, their loving and supportive spouses, and three fantastic grandchildren: Carys, Evan, and Zuzu, all of whom will miss her dearly. Thank you to Dr Chris Collins for his care and guidance, and to the staff at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. A celebration of life will be held in Kenora in the future. Donations may be made in Valerie's memory to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.