Valerie Anne Theresa Maureen Mavins, our family’s beautiful matriarch and the center of our world, passed away at age 83 on December 3rd, 2025, in Victoria, BC, Canada, the place she called home. She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Dave Mavins, her two kids, Christopher and Kathleen Coutinho and spouses respectively, Beth and Pierre, 3 step children Brad, Sherry, and Heather, two siblings, Cliff and Carol, five grandchildren, Cassandra, Rebecca, Rachel, Valerie, and Madison, and many nieces and nephews that love her deeply. Despite the daily battle mom waged for years against skin cancer and scleroderma, she always wore a beautiful smile, felt genuine joy for life, and saw the sunshine and potential in every day, while cherishing her time with family and friends above all else.
Mom’s morning routine typically began early at home soaking in the ocean sunrise from her favorite chair with a coffee in hand, something we would share with her every chance we had. Right up to the end, mom would marvel endlessly at the raw beauty of mountains, ocean and nature that surrounded her home, make delicious meals, vigorously debate politics, cheer passionately for the Canucks, and dance happily in the kitchen with us all if a beautiful song came on.
Mom was born in Carshalton, England on November 1st, 1942, to William O’Sullivan and Ethel Dardis O’Sullivan in the height of WW2. In 1945, her family moved to Montreal, Quebec, where she grew up with 4 siblings and a Catholic up bringing. She married our dad at age 18 and had their two children who now reside in the US, to whom she would go visit as often as possible. Mom loved to travel the world, try decadent and new cuisine, dress beautifully for all events, and squeeze the most out of life. Early in her life with our dad, she scuba dived and danced often, and together they shared many crazy, hilarious adventures.
Our mom was renown for her endless positivity. If you crossed her, you were hit with her famous “Blue Eyed Stare”, which could buckle the knees of a general. Those stunning blue eyes would otherwise shine with joy. Her devotion to creating the most beautiful, welcoming environment for her family to come home to was a demonstration of who she was as a person; loving, devoted, loyal, deeply caring, and intensely driven to make everyone feel 100% at ease. Mom’s first passion was her family, but a close second was her passion around food. Her identity was formed in the kitchen producing 3-5 course gourmet meals regardless of breakfast, lunch or dinner. She was a caliber chef and we all loved and will miss her incredible feasts.
Most of all, we will miss mom’s unconditional love. Valerie Mavins, Mom, Nana, AV, Aunty Val. She has left a deep void in our lives. Her legacy of light, laughter and love already lives on strongly in her kids and grandchildren and has touched many lives around the world. We will honor this amazing woman by continuing to live with her same positivity, unconditional love for each other, and commitment to enjoying this beautiful gift called LIFE.
Condolences may be offered to family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Beverly Jones
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Bev Haslip Dear Kathy and Chris, my sincere heartfelt condolences to you,Dave, and all of the family members. I’ve known and loved your mom for over 35 years. I met Chris in Victoria. Although I haven’t met you Kathy, both of you and grandchildren/families were often spoke of throughout our conversations. She lived life to the fullest and I always admired her positive attitude in spite of any bad situations that arose. She was the true definition of a beautiful person on the outside and inside. I will miss her smile,her fabulous humorous stories, her talks,her company and her friendship, always.
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Ethne & Roy Cullen Val was a force, and she will be missed.She was a colleague-in-arms on the political front. Our condolences to Dave and family.
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Ann-Marie Dearest Chris and Kathy, what a beautiful tribute to your Mum … you have captured all her energy, vivacity and joy in life. Val was someone who revelled in life, wasn’t she?
Your mum loved you both deeply, that was obvious, and was so proud of you both for all you have achieved … but mostly for giving her such wonderful grandchildren.. you can see that in every family photo you have shared over the years .
Huge hugs to you both and much love
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James Kim I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Valerie for very long, but in that short time it was clear she left her mark—on her family, on the stories told about her, and on the room itself. Some people carry a presence that lingers long after they’ve gone; she seems to be one of those rare souls.
I count myself fortunate to have known her briefly, and perhaps even more fortunate to have escaped unscathed from the full force of that famous “blue-eyed stare”. Still, I suspect it was a look that kept people honest, attentive, and loved in equal measure.
My deepest condolences to the family. May her memory continue to live where it clearly belongs—among those who knew her best, and in the quiet moments when her spirit still feels near.
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Jacqueline Maas - Rattini I did not have the priledge to meet your Mom. However based you you all, she had to have been amazing woman. Such a beautiful tribute.
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Phyllis Payne Kathy, She sounds so lovely and reading about her is enough to tell me that her spirit lives on in you and your beautiful family. I’m so sorry for your loss and can’t wait to give you a giant hug. With love and positivity.
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bruce wasz Sharon and I are Blessed to have known Valerie. We love her vivacious smile and her PMA (positive mental attitude). I know we will see her again in the next chapter of our lives. Our Lord is equally proud of Valerie because she used her marvelous gifts and talents to serve other people, unconditionally!✝️
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Gina and Jay Gulliford Val was a very classy woman. We mourn your loss. Gina and Jay Gulliford
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Sharon Was so so sad to hear this news. Up until recently I worked at Uplands Golf Course and would often sit and chat with Valerie on many occasion. She was always so positive and had an air of happiness around her. I would always find time to sit and chat and although I knew of some of her health issues, the news of her passing is a shock. May her spirit surround you all with the memory of the pure definition of what a Mum should be. Sending you all love and warm comforting hugs during this difficult time.
Uncle Dave and family
Mom and I are so sadden about Val’s passing. Our recent visit with you both in September is very much cherished Love and support to you all as you move forward through this difficult transition.
Love Bev and Ev Jones