Valeda Marie Gardiner

Just before midnight on June 15th, our beautiful matriarch Valeda Gardiner (nee Decaire) peacefully passed on with her family by her side, to be reunited with her husband Bobby after 55 years,  her parents Jack and Mary Decaire and siblings who were undoubtedly waiting to welcome her home.

Mom was a beautiful, kind, caring woman with a great sense of humour and an infectious laugh.  She always showed such courage, strength, determination and perseverance.  She faced all obstacles head on and never complained.  She loved her family fiercely and was always a pillar of strength and support.  She was a widow at the young age of 35.  Mom raised a large family of 7 kids...Abby (Rosemary), Cathy (Pierre), Don (Lucy), Cher (Randy), Joanne (Kenny), Maureen, and Bob (Tammy).  The family also grew to include 10 grandchildren-Mandy, Tim, Jeremy, Jason, Stacey, Jennifer, Marc, Jessica, Tyler and Riley; 21 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson.

Mom worked hard for many years cleaning homes around town and, while her children were growing up, she could often be heard, before being seen, cheering on her boys during their hockey games.  She continued attending as they became adults participating in town tournaments...she loved to watch the games.  In later years, for the grandkids, she continued attending plays, sporting events, making something delicious for a bake sale or dropping off a lunch.

She had a love for bingo, and for years, wa a regular "Bingo Bus" passenger and she never missed a Friday night tv bingo, with her luck dabber in hand and her lucky trinkets set out, she could be heard yelling "shake those balls up" at the tv.  Everyone knew, you did not call during Bingo time.

As her children grew and had families, and then their children had families, she really looked forward to the times they would visit and all be together.  Family was very important to her and, although she already had a large family, she would always welcome more...friends became family and she cared for, loved and included everyone, the more the merrier  she said.

She was Ladies Auxiliary member for 54 years and volunteered in the kitchen for many years.

Survived by brother Don Decaire (Bev), sister-in-law Claire Decaire, Lynda McKenzie (Ken), Gerry Gardiner, Barbara Gardiner, brother-in-laws Gerry Gardiner (Kathy), Bill Gardiner (Evelyn) and many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her brothers Rudolph, Andrew (Sheila) and Nick, as well as sisters Bernadette, Vernice, Rita (Fred), and Shirley (Lorne); sister-in-law Marg Resmer (Alfie), brother-in-law Orville (Mary), Alvin, Clarence (Marlene) and Ron Gardiner.

A lifelong resident of Mattawa, Mom will be missed not only by her family but also by many friends.

We would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Mattawa General Hospital, and the nurses in Hospice for their extra special care and compassion in the last few days-Darlene, Diane, Emma & Ashley who not only cared for Mom and allowed her to pass with dignity but also supported us as a family and showed us great care, compassion and support.  Their sincere and personal care and patience, taking the time during the worst days of our lives for not only Mom but for us as well, was deeply felt...they have become part of our family and are greatly appreciated.  We will never forget it.

Details of a Celebration of Life to be shared at a later time.

Mom lived a long, beautiful life and she was incredibly proud of her family.  We look forward to having you join us to celebrate her life and share memories with us.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Valeda Marie Gardiner, please visit our floral store.