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Valarie Spooner passed away peacefully on April 5, 2010, in the Chilliwack Cascade Hospice. She was born Valarie Marie Hacala in Sydney, Nova Scotia on June 24, 1950. She moved to Chilliwack in 1969 when her step-father, Donnie MacDonald, was transferred here with the military.

When the family moved back to Nova Scotia, Valarie made Chilliwack her home. She was married in 1972 in Peterborough, Ontario. From there she spent 10 years in Germany and took the opportunity to travel around Europe and the Scandinavian Countries which she loved. Returning to Chilliwack in 1983, she had a 21 year career as Secretary/Manager of the Vedder Legion, Branch 280 of which she was a Life Member. Valerie was also a member of the Institute of Canadian Bankers and she worked for 11 years at the Bank of Montreal and Bank of BC. During her career, she earned a BA Degree in Business Administration from Simon Frazer University.

Valarie had a way of drawing people in and she provided great inspiration to those around her. She had a big and generous heart, especially when it came to family, friends and co-workers and always a big smile on her lovely face for everyone to see. She loved to dance and ham it up, play darts and golf, and she especially enjoyed cooking and sewing.

Valarie was predeceased by her father, Lloyd, and brother, Kenneth, Hacala.

Valarie will be remembered by mother Marion (Ivan) MacDonald of Sydney, N.S., Sisters Marguerite Hacala and Roger of Toronto, ON, June Piercey of Toronto, ON, Deborah (Gus) Hayes of Sydney, Nova Scotia, and brothers David (Melgie) Hacala of Toronto, ON, Garry Hacala of Chilliwack, BC and Donald MacDonald of Toronto, ON., Nieces Ronda Piercey, Kerri-Lynn LaPointe, Liberty and Sarah Hacala and nephew, Shane Piercey and Anthony Hayes.

The family wishes to thank the friends and neighbours who watched over her, including Rosemary Sullivan, Pat & Phyllis Johnson, Tom Quirke, Walter & Lyla Georgeson, Helen DeJean and Liz Brown who were so generous to and caring for Valarie over the past year. These special people provided lots of entertainment and diversions which made her days memorable throughout a very difficult period.

In addition, a big thanks to all the Home Care Workers, the nurses and staff at Chilliwack General Hospital and the Chilliwack Hospice who took such great care of her. Valarie always had a big smile for all the girls and she enjoyed her chats with each and everyone one of the Home Care Workers, some of whom became very attached to her. Valarie had that unique affect on the people around her.

Family and friends mourn the loss of a remarkable lady who contributed so much to so many. RIP Valarie.


Those we love remain with us;

for love its self lives on.

Cherished memories never fade,

because one loved is gone.


Those we love can never be,

more than a thought apart.

For as long as there’s a memory,

they live on in our heart.

- Anonymous


A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 18th at the ASU Mess, 5535 Korea Road, Chilliwack. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Society of BC, Suite 208 - 1600 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6J 1R3 or to Chilliwack Hospice Society, 45360 Hodgins Avenue, Chilliwack, BC, V2P 1P5.



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