Obituary

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Valerie, peacefully in her home on May 16, 2021 after a brief but hard battle with kidney failure. Valerie found rest with her adoring husband of 55 years, Keith, by her side. She will be greatly missed by her daughter Ellen Richards (Drew) and son Piers (Kim). Cherished grandmother to William, James, Penny, Emily, and Sarah. Valerie was born in Abingdon Oxfordshire England to Jim and Peggy Ayley, where Peggy had been evacuated to avoid the blitz, before living her early life in Eastleigh Hampshire. Valerie attended Totton Grammar School from age 11 until 16, from which she held wonderful memories. Despite perfect academic results, Valerie was not given the chance of a University education. Leaving school, she entered municipal and county government, rising rapidly with promotions until motherhood, and subsequently emigrating to Canada with Keith, Ellen, Piers, and a Siamese cat, became her priority. Upon settling, Valerie became Executive Director of Information Markham (in the paper days before the Internet) and developed the service from a tiny 2 person operation to a municipal entity with its own premises. Later, after moving to the west end of the city, Valerie spent many years as Executive Director of the Streetsville BIA, and was involved in organizing municipal events such as the Mississauga Santa Clause Parade. After a brief break, Valerie became involved in another of her passions and was the administrator of the Canadian Donkey Sanctuary. During this whole period from her teens, Valerie was also involved in her love of cycling and cycling racing. She was a nationally qualified official and committee member, also being the chair of the Ontario Racing Committee, earning herself the affectionate title of the “Iron Lady of Canadian Cycling”. She was instrument in the sport and recreation we see today. She also organized and promoted numerous international events, including the Canadian National Championships in Hamilton in 1995. Apart from all her endeavors, she considered her happiest achievement was, after several years of study, graduating from the University of Waterloo with a degree in Religious Studies at the age of 65. This was something she had been unable to do in her youth and something that gave her family immense pride. Due to the current situation and pandemic restrictions, a private family Funeral Service will take place at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel. Those wishing to make donations can do so on her memorial page at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com to St. John’s Anglican Church Rockwood.