We are so very sad to say goodbye to our much-loved matriarch Margaret Marcia Vallee (nee Sweeney) after a long life lived with humour, generosity and spirit.
Last surviving member of the Sweeney Cooperage siblings, children of Leo and Mary Sweeney. Predeceased by her brothers Bill, Jack, Ed, Leo, Frank and sisters Pat and Leona. Also predeceased by her husband of 53 years Don, dearest daughter Susan, son Ronnie and son-in-law Brian Henderson.
Survived and missed by sons Bill (Fran), Paul, David (Pam) and Joe (Pauline), grandson Kyle Henderson, granddaughters Carmen Juba (Josh), Kellie Vallee, Sarah and Kasper Vallee, step-grandsons Jeff (Lisa) Wiegel, Jaime Wiegel, Erik Maas and great granddaughter Amelia Juba. Marg’s family circle was large and inclusive. She was loved by many including nieces and nephews from the Vallee, Battle, Curley, Toffoli and Sweeney clans, and many adopted family members including Gayle Henderson, Gillian and Erin Grevstad.
A lifelong optimist who saw only the best in others, Marg loved to host gatherings large and small with friends and family. She was the loving and laughing centre of a large and motley crew, and she relished every time we were together.
Marg experienced health challenges in the last few years but faced them all with the characteristic good humour she brought to all of her endeavours in life. She died peacefully at home in her own bed, which was exactly the end she desired. This was in large part enabled by her son Paul, who took wonderful care of his mother in her declining years. The family would also like to specially thank Elizabeth Leonardis and the Home Vive program at Vancouver Coastal Health for their care and support, without which it would not have been possible to care for Marg at home.
There will be a service at a later date once large (and it will be large!) gatherings are permitted.