It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Kathleen Valerie Maier on August 30, 2021. Known to all as Valerie, she was the youngest of six children born on May 18, 1951 in Gimli Manitoba.
Valerie was predeceased by her parents Sam and Lauga Peterson, sister Mekkin Shaw, sister Lucille Lane and brother Gordon. She will lovingly be remembered by her husband Wayne(Porky) Maier of 35 years, sister Karen Smith, brother Robert, sister in law Joyce Peterson, many nieces and nephews and long time friends Holly and Jim Cumming.
Valerie was a woman of many talents.
Her athletic prowess was recognized during high school, attending Gimli Collegiate and while getting her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education at the University of Manitoba. She excelled in many sports, including playing on the University of Manitoba women’s volleyball and field hockey games as well the Manitoba Women’s Handball team. She especially excelled in track and field and in javelin where she held the title of Canadian Women’s Javelin Championship. Family and friends are very proud of Valerie’s achievements, winning many medals and trophies when competing in Manitoba and Canadian Junior/Senior Championships, Manitoba and Canada summer Games and international competitions. Upon leaving the athletic arena, Valerie became a Psychiatric Nurse. She had a rewarding career at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre before retiring in 2011.
Valerie also had a musical talent and was self taught on piano, accordion and mandolin to name a few. One of her most enjoyable times was teaming up with Andy Yablonski, long time local, celebrated and renown musician of Fraserwood. She and Andy played together at many musical gigs around the province spreading joy and laughter.
Another exemplary musical gift was her voice and she began singing in several choirs including West Shore Singers, Winnipeg Icelandic Choir and of special note the O. Koshetz Ukrainian Choir of Winnipeg. She extended her musical interest by becoming director of the Gimli Bell Ringers who performed at Gimli Lutheran Church and locally.
Valerie had many happy moments composing keyboard music, playing with her cat Loa, watching the birds feeding at her many feeders and having hot chocolate and toasted cinnamon buns with a friend at the Cafe Haus. She was also an avid fan of the Bombers and Jets. Always reviewing the games with Joyce. Valerie was very proud of her Icelandic heritage and especially enjoyed a trip to Iceland connecting with relatives and culture.
A special thank you to Gimli Hospital and Cancer Care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Gimli Humane Society; Industrial Park, 33 Harvard Ave. Gimli, MB R0C1B0
It is with sadness and with love that we say:
“Kveoja oh vertu i frioi”
Farewell and be at peace.
A service announcement will be made at a later date.
Condolences may be posted on Valerie’s memorial page using the comments section below.
Arrangements entrusted to Interlake Cremation & Memorial Services.
Val will be missed so much. She was so talented and shared her gifts with everyone who came in contact with her. Condolences to her remaining family members especially Karen and Porky.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Valerie. We are sorry for your loss.
Bruce and Marlene Maier
Thinking of you all at this very difficult time.
Donna and Rick Rivet
Dearest Val
May your road to our Saviour be pain free and a good one.never forgotten always remembered.Maria’s
I think about you everyday, dear cousin and miss our daily texts and frequent phone calls. You fought the good fight Val you have finished the race, it is now your time to rest in peace.
Siggy
Porky, I was so sorry to hear that Valerie passed away this week. I’ve been thinking back over the years and many happy times in Gimli with you both – pancakes, parades, fireworks, garage sales and my one and only fishing experience. Valerie was kind and giving and will really be missed. My deepest condolences.
Dear Porky and family,
Please accept my sincerest heartfelt condolences on such unthinkably big loss.
I will miss Val dearly in O. KOSHETZ choir. Her passing left a huge void in an alto section and in all of our hearts.
May her memory be eternal!
I will always remember the happy times, when Val was so excited to perform with our choir; as the times when she shared with me her stage stories with Andy and others.
Вічная Пам‘ять!
Though I didn’t know Val that well (I sat with the sopranos!), I appreciated her smile and giving nature. You will be missed in O. Koshetz Choir. May you Rest In Peace.
Вічна я пам‘ять! May your memory be eternal!
Sending our condolences to Porky, Karen and families at this difficult time.
We’re so sorry to hear of Val’s passing. We’ll cherish memories of her sharing her musical talents at Gimli Betel and with my dad, Cecil Isliefson, in his garage at Winnipeg Beach. It was always obvious Val had a truly kind heart and was always there to help others.
Diana, Curtis and Jett Emerson
Val wax truly one of my favourite friends at o. Koshetz choir practices and performances. We so often collected on many levels to share our thoughts and interests. I was heart broken to hear of her health struggles and her passing. Her smiles and sweet ways will be missed. She was so easy to talk to and took great interest in others around her.
I pray we can all cherish our special memories and keep a part of her kindness with us always. God bless you Porky and your family. Thank you for your emails. We hope you continue to be in touch with the O. Koshetz family.
So sorry to hear of this loss. Our thoughts go out to Ted and Val’s friends and family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Steve and Sheila Boychuk
Porky and family
We are so sorry to hear of Valerie’s passing. She was a wonderful person and will be really missed. I am happy to have seen her before she passed. Lorraine Bartecki
Our sympathy, thoughts, and prayers are with you Porky. I remember Val as an enthusiastic, jubilant woman as she tried new things, Her musical talents were blossoming at the time. I enjoyed her as she learned the art of handbell ringing when the Gimili Lutheran Handbell choir was in its infancy.
You two have brought much joy.
Rev. Ron Vert and Patsy Andrews-Vert
So sorry to hear of Val’s passing. She will be missed by all, but certainly among the handbell ringers.
My condolences to Porky and family. I had the pleasure of being taught how to play handbells and how to direct a handbell choir by Val. She was a very dedicated musician who loved to share her talents with others. She will certainly be missed by many.