On Thursday, August 6, 2009 at the age of 71 years, VALERIE MARY DOUGLAS was called home by her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ after many years of living in extreme pain and battling with the numerous complications due to Scleroderma.
Valerie, daughter of Ney and Genevieve DeClercq, was born in January 1938 and grew up on the family homestead northeast of Stavely, AB. As a young woman she lived in various places, including Hawaii, as she worked first as a telephone operator and eventually as a nurse. She married Don Douglas in 1965 and they resided in Granum, AB. The couple raised two children, Jodi and Jason, but sadly dissolved their union in the early 1980s upon which Valerie and her teen-aged children moved to Lethbridge, AB. Valerie found employment as an LPN at St. Michael’s Hospital and worked many years there until the debilitating disease, Scleroderma, prevented her from working anymore; ironically Valerie would take her last breaths at St. Michael’s Health Centre.
Valerie had many interests which included reading, baking brownies, cross stitching, crocheting, travelling, church and socializing with her many friends. She was blessed to have found a loving and supportive church family at First C (currently The River of Life Community Church in Lethbridge) and she developed long-lasting friendships with numerous individuals who continued to visit and support her at the very end of her earthly journey.
Valerie’s greatest passion was for the nation of Israel and her people, visiting Israel, and supporting several Zion and Messianic ministries.
Valerie’s pride and joy was her two grandchildren, Jordan and Connor Rosluk, who she loved very much. Valerie was predeceased by her parents, Ney and Genevieve DeClercq, and sister-in-law Jean Flannigan of Thunder Bay, ON. Left behind to celebrate her life is daughter Jodi (Rev. Steve) Rosluk of Yorkton, SK, and son Jason Douglas of Iron Springs, AB; grandson Jordan Rosluk and granddaughter Connor Rosluk; brothers Paul (Ruby) DeClercq of Champion, AB and Richard (Darlene) DeClercq of Fort Macleod, AB; several nieces and nephews, and her long-time dearest friends Allyn Mills and Anita Atkinson both of Lethbridge.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the following people who cared for Valerie over the many years of living with her illness: Dr. D. Kennedy for her dedication and compassion in treating Valerie; the nursing staff at St. Michael’s Health Centre who provided excellent care in Valerie’s last year; the emergency and ICU doctors/nurses at the Regional Hospital that worked hard to get Valerie back home all those many times; the pastoral staff and the members of The River of Life Community Church who frequently visited Valerie; the faithful friends who visited and called to lift Valerie’s spirits; Allyn Mills and Anita Atkinson for their selfless love, and everything they have done to support and encourage Valerie through the many years. God bless you all!
A celebration of Valerie’s life will be held at THE RIVER OF LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH, 2820 - 18 Avenue North, Lethbridge, on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Bill Calderwood officiating. A private interment will follow the luncheon at the Stavely Cemetery with Rev. Steve Rosluk officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages that memorial donations be made to either The Scleroderma Society of Canada 95 Woodfield Road SW, Calgary, AB T2W 5K5 (www.scleroderma.ca) or to The River of Life Community Church 2820 - 18 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB. T1H 5K1 (www.rolchurch.ca) with funds designated for the Philippines Mission project.
