Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Valerie Frances Miller
1936 - 2021
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Sandy Briant posted a condolence
Thursday, April 21, 2022
A year has somehow passed since we lost my mom. Today I spent time remembering the many trips I went on with her. The highlight was our trip to Scotland, so many stories, but just as precious were numerous road trips to Kingston, Cambridge, Oliphant and Bobcaygeon to see family. She loved those car rides. We talked, listened to music and enjoyed the country roads…yes we might have got lost a couple of times. She and I travelled to B.C. twice, how lucky was I ❤️
The wonderful memories are finally edging out the acuteness of the loss. I was so very fortunate and privileged to share that time with my mom.
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Sandra Briant posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
I am a strong woman because a strong woman raised me.
In your absence I will have to be stronger than ever but you taught me well. Thank you for giving me the roots to remember where I came from and the wings to become my own person.
Love you always mom. Rest in sweetest peace.
Sandy
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Daniel lay posted a condolence
Saturday, May 1, 2021
Val
You were my oldest sister who watched over me from when I was a young boy until I reached manhood. You were always there for me when I needed your strength, your wisdom and most of all your compassion. I looked to you always over the years for guidance and was never disappointed. Even though there have been miles that separated us over these last 30 years you made the yearly trip to come out to visit us.... something both Sue and I looked forward with eager anticipation.
There are so many memories of those times when you and Judy came to our home on Vancouver Island. Too many to share on this page but one stands out to me.
We arranged for a kayaking excursion from Nanoose Bay. Neither Judy nor you had been in a kayak but were troopers, nonetheless. We had two person kayaks with Judy and Sue in one and you and I in another. The tour guides pointed out an Island in the Salish Sea that had an abundance of marine life so off we ventured. It was evident from the onset that our paddling skills needed to be honed. I would say "hard to port" and you would go starboard then I would say "hard to starboard" and you would go to port. Our course was charted but the voyage was erratic. It was not long until the others outdistanced us. It was then that a bank of ominous clouds came on the horizon and our guides yelled for all to turn around and head for the marina. Their urgency was evident on how quickly they paddled ahead of the pack. It was then I saw your wisdom Val because we were so far behind, we had less water to cover to get back to a safe harbour. Once we arrived again trailing the others as they had passed us in the rush that we hit the haul of a beautiful yacht. At that point we melded as one and sped off paddling in perfect unison.... a site to behold and an audience of our fellow kayakers watching at the dock in envy of our boating skills.
An important piece of me is missing now that you have left but I will fill that void with all the wonderful memories you have given me.
With love from your baby brother
Sandy Briant Posted May 2, 2021 at 6:09 AM
Dan, You had so many adventures with her.
Thanks for sharing that story, it put a smile in my heart.
Sandy
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Jessica O’Reilly Posted May 4, 2021 at 12:41 PM
That is amazing memory about Grandma. I love hearing all the different stories and remembering her through everyone. I still hear classical music playing when I think of her.
She will forever be a massive part of our lives even though she is gone her spirit lives on.
Jessica O’Reilly
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Kathleen uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
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Judy posted a condolence
Sunday, April 25, 2021
To my beautiful sister and friend,
You left us so suddenly, I am still trying to catch my breath. I see you in my mind's eye as if you are still here.
We are laughing with Penny about something only the 3 of us could understand. Memories floating through our minds as we try and grasp them before they disappear. Some memories only one of us had but then reminded the other 2 with laughter or tears. So many shared memories between 3 sisters and best friends. We were always trying to remember a name of a song, movie or some actor but would, more often than not, get distracted and be off on another quest.
Then I am with you on one of our many trips to BC. We are pouring buckets of water from the kitchen into the bathtub late at night trying to flood a wolf spider down the drain. He was too big but we manage to drown him. It took a long time for us to wonder why we hadn't just turned on the bathtub tap. Now we are climbing a mountain with Dan blazing a trail ahead. You stop and wait for us to come back and we find you backed up against a tree with a cougar hound licking your face. The 4 of us playing Euchre in their beautiful apartment in Nanaimo and making up our own rules. Jack's are wild other crazy rules that had the 4 of us laughing til we cried. A feast of fresh crab legs at least once a visit and always wearing our bibs. Dan, you and me are travelling on a quiet trail on one of the islands and we are hearing a strange sound ahead. We come out of the trees to a spectacular sight. A light mist floating over the water and a pod of Orcas were sounding and blowing in the water. Such a feeling of spirituality came over us.
These memories and so many more are holding me together. They tumble over each other and vie for my attention.
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Rob uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, April 25, 2021
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Hanging out by the pool and whale watching in Cabo
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Judy uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, April 25, 2021
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Another picture that hangs on our wall. You may have this one already. I think I recall it was done through Cuddy's but not sure.
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Judy uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, April 25, 2021
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Forgot all about this photo and it is hanging on our family wall. I love this picture of the 5 of us when Dan came to visit many years ago.
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Jessica posted a condolence
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Please, do not cry for me
For I have finally been set free.
Do not weep for me now,
All I ask is for your vow.
Remember me with kind thoughts and words,
Look for me among the birds.
Feel the breeze upon your face
And know that I have found a place.
Far from the grief and worldly pain
Look for me in the mist and rain.
Please, do not cry for me
For I have finally been set free.
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Lori Drury posted a condolence
Saturday, April 24, 2021
The Blue
She was a wilderness orchid
Strung like jewel upon the ground
I lay in her flowered poetry
And she took my thorny crown
Her spirit of ancient beauty
Rose in forests long ago
Among seedlings of delicate purchase
In the woodlands where she grows
She coloured our season briefly
The gleam at sudden close of day
Light slipped from the quiet corners
Her budding lullabies at play
Oh, darling lady slipper
How wretchedly I cried
As her tendrils ebbed on the tundra
Under latent summer skies
Now blue tears flow unbidden
And wash me to my knees
She endured the coldest winters
Then moccasins danced in the breeze
She surrounds me in fragrant dreams now
Lavish kisses touch my face
And the aching bloom in my heart waits
For the stir of her love and grace
Beneath the earth of her birthplace
Gemstone rests at bracken’s core
Until sweet temporal flowers
Hang shimmering once more
© Lori Drury June 2019
I wrote this when my friends mom died, and found it when I lost my own
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Kathleen uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, April 24, 2021
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So many flowers for mom! Thank you Maureen
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Kathleen on behalf of Jennifer Whytock posted a condolence
Saturday, April 24, 2021
I just wanted to reach out to you all to say how sorry I am for your loss and to say how much Aunt Val meant to me. When I heard the news I knew I had to get home immediately to be here for mom and to be near my family as everyone is grieving with you. FAMILY – when I think of Aunt Val I think of her as the epitome of the word – someone who has the sense of loyalty, selflessness, love and genuine care and concern for all (man and animal)! I will always remember her smile, sense of humour and kindness. I have fond memories of taking the “Aunts” to my cottage in the middle of a snow storm one year for a weekend and then going up again with them – just me and the “girls” (I believe there was a lot of wine involved that weekend). I am always amazed at how very close the “Lays” are – I mean all of us – I hold everyone dear to my heart and will cherish the memories of growing up with such a tight knit extended family with Grandma and Aunt Val at the core of it all. Aunt Val’s passing is a time for reflection and I only have fond memories of family get togethers at Christmas and picnics in the park that just make me smile. We are not normal (well in many ways ) but there are not that many families that I know who are all so close. I feel it doesn’t matter the distance or time between us, when we finally get the chance to celebrate the life of a wonderful Lady there may be tears but mostly there will be laughter and gratefulness to be touched somehow by a very special person.
Love to you all.
Jen
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Lori Drury Posted Apr 26, 2021 at 6:14 AM
Thank you Jen. Our families grew until we no longer fit in one house! Then we rented a hall for your parent's big anniversary. It was always one of her great joys to see us gather. She loved us all so much, our children and our pets. I look forward to meeting in the future to console one another, to celebrate and to connect again. That would make her so very happy. Love you all so much.
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Rob O’Reilly uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, April 24, 2021
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Family photo
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Rob O’Reilly uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, April 24, 2021
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One of many family picnics
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Rob O’Reilly uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, April 24, 2021
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Happy times with Mom. Family events and making new friends
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Judy McCallum uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, April 24, 2021
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One of our many visits to Vancouver Island. We had so many adventures with Dan and Sue and also just the two of us.
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Jennifer Whytock donated to LONDON HUMANE SOCIETY
Saturday, April 24, 2021
Aunt Val always asked me about my dogs.... About the kids too of course!
Please wait
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Rebecca posted a condolence
Friday, April 23, 2021
I'll always remember the soft sound of her classical radio, the warmth in Grandma's laughter, the passion in her debates, the smell of her home, and how cozy we all felt packed like sardines in her living room at Christmas time. I love you Grandma, and sending love and gratitude to my whole family.
Love, Rebecca
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Darcie Da Silva donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER
Friday, April 23, 2021
Our deepest condolences from the Da Silva family.
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Tribute Store
Friday, April 23, 2021
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Our prayers are with all of you Bud and Mugs
Please wait
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Kathleen Nutt uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 23, 2021
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Flowers sent for mom. She would love them.
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Jessica uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 23, 2021
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I love this photo with Great Grandma,Grandma,Danielle and I playing games.
I will miss hearing her say ”That sounds lovely dear”
She will be so missed by so many people who she touched with her kind heart.
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Lori Drury uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 23, 2021
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She was shy with the camera but surprised us with one she was happy with. My beautiful mom.
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Steve uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, April 22, 2021
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Just some pictures of mom that you may not have seen.
Steve
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Sue Hutchen Lay uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, April 22, 2021
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This is one of my favourite photos of Val and Boo. When we got him he was underweight and had terrible tummy troubles. He only ate his special (boring) food because his auntie Val fed it to him one piece at a time.
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Lynn and Jeff Wilson donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER
Thursday, April 22, 2021
All our Love to Kathleen, Dave and family
Please wait
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Kathleen Nutt uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, April 22, 2021
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The O'Reilly children. Raised by a strong and intelligent woman.
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Kathleen Nutt uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, April 22, 2021
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There were two important families in my mom's life. The first was her loving relationship with her siblings. As the eldest child, she has played many roles in her siblings lives.... sister, friend, caregiver, and so on. Wishing Judy, Penny and Dan many warm memories.
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Maria Park posted a condolence
Thursday, April 22, 2021
Thinking of you and wishing you moments of comfort as you remember your mom.
Hugs
Maria P
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Kathleen Nutt uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, April 22, 2021
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I am proud to be part of four generations of Frances' in a line of beautiful women in my family.
Dedicated to my precious grandmother, mother and daughter. Love Kathleen
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Kathleen Nutt uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, April 22, 2021
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Thank you to my sister Sandy for welcoming Katie, my mothers closest companion for many years now, into her home. Katie now has other feline friends to spend her days with and although I am sure that she misses my mom, she continues to be happy and healthy.
Kathleen
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The family of Valerie Frances Miller uploaded a photo
Thursday, April 22, 2021
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