It is with great sadness that the family announces the unexpected passing of Valerie Anne Pizey (nee Stalvies), at the age of 79, on Monday, July 17, 2017 at the Rainy River Health Centre in Rainy River, Ont.
Valerie was born on April 12, 1938 in Urmston, U.K.
After graduating from school in London, she married the love of her life, Anthony Pizey. Together they started a family and soon decided to emigrate to Canada to provide a better life for their children.
After 46 years together, Tony passed away on Nov. 1, 2005.
Valerie is survived by her four children, Yvonne Gouliquer (Tim), Ian Pizey (Nancy), Karen Reid (Jeff), and Stuart Pizey.
Valerie was always happiest when surrounded by family. She was involved and active in the lives of all her grandchildren, and loved and cherished her time with Robert, Amanda, Mike, Sean, Myles, Candace, Rebecca, and Adam.
The great-grandkids–Aaron, Anthony, Dominic, Hunter, and, most recently, her first great-granddaughter, Harper–were her greatest joy.
Valerie and family settled in McCrosson-Tovell in 1972. She worked at various tourism businesses and started running her own bookkeeping service. In 1983, she took a position with Big Island First Nation as financial administrator and remained with them for 30+ years.
While in that role, she also expanded herself into municipal politics. In 1985, she was elected as a councillor and then reeve, and later became mayor of the newly-amalgamated Lake of the Woods Township in 1998, a position she served until her passing.
Valerie was known as an outspoken person with the courage and capacity to effectively represent her constituents.
She also served on the Rainy River DSSAB and with the RRDMA as part of her municipal duties.
Not busy enough with that, she also dedicated her spare time to assist AFOA Canada and then later the Governance Development Network (these organizations assist national and local First Nation communities with financial management and governance efficiency).
Although Valerie did not like to boast publicly, privately she was especially proud to receive the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee medal that was awarded to Canadians who have made a significant contribution to their fellow citizens, their community, and to Canada.
In 2011, her dedication, commitment, and hard work also made her a recipient of the 25-year Long Standing Service Award from the Province of Ontario.
At Valerie’s request, cremation already has taken place.
A celebration of Valerie’s life will be held Friday, July 28, 2017 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Bergland Hall in Bergland, Ont.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations to a Lake of the Woods Township municipal project would be appreciated c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
VALERIE ANNE PIZEY
