Our radiant Valerie passed away peacefully in Victoria, BC on October 25th at the young age of 58.
Val is survived by her partner Steve Cochran and step-daughter Chloe, her parents Bert and Lorraine Adamson, siblings Sara (Cam), Susan (niece Haedy), Dan (Amanda; nephew Mitchell, niece Alexandra), her in-laws Mike (Mary-Jill), Amanda (Nick; nieces Maddison, Annabelle), Brianna (John; nieces Abigail, Camilla, Bridget Valerie), James (Izumi; nephew Noah, niece Emma), and Craig (Crystal; nephew Phoenix, niece Violet), and many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends who Val also considered her family.
Val lived her life with purpose and as one rarely does – with a wide-open heart, deep curiosity, a true zest for life, and unwavering love for and commitment to those in her vast circle.
Purely by being herself, Val’s vibrancy lit up any room she walked into with her sparkling blue eyes, gorgeous red hair, gregarious personality, warm smile, and of course, that famous laugh! Her natural instinct was to create a good vibe and have fun wherever she went. Val was generous, kind, caring, daring, resilient, and she brought a sense of joy and healing to those around her.
For Val, it was all about connection – to family and friends, to the earth and to her spirituality. She truly enjoyed spending time with people, getting to know them better and forging lifelong friendships. Val’s remarkable gift was to listen and remember what you said, and she was well known for her unique way of making everyone feel special.
Val travelled the world and made a point of exploring new places and experiencing the local culture. She would invite family and friends to visit her as often as possible, and was always so proud to introduce her guests to every member of the entourage. The time spent with Val was an opportunity to share music, laughter and memorable one-of-a-kind experiences.
As much as Val reveled in her life on the road, she cherished coming back home, whether it was Edmonton, Toronto, New York or Vancouver. She loved to host dinner parties, have barbeques on the beach, go on camping trips, hike in the forest, read a good book or simply watch a glorious sunset. Auntie Val especially adored the precious moments with her nieces and nephews.
And who can forget the many Valapaloozzas, her annual multi-day birthday bashes. Whether a wig party or 70s-themed boat cruise with a playlist for the ages, Val always celebrated in style while the rest of us tried to keep up with her.
Val was thrilled to move to Vancouver Island in 2021, to be closer to her parents and family, and put down roots with Steve to create a very special oasis together in their own home.
Val was courageous and determined (sometimes a little stubborn!). She believed in authenticity and stayed true to her convictions. Val blazed her own trail and showed us all a different way of seeing the world, in both good and challenging times, with abundant optimism.
Val will be dearly missed, and we take comfort knowing that her adventurous spirit will forever soar free.
As there are too many people to mention, we would like to thank everyone who helped Val on her personal and spiritual journey over the past several months and years.
We’d also like to share a bit of advice that Val offered up on many an occasion: Be present and just go with the flow!!
A celebration of Valerie’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please take a walk on your favourite beach, dip your toes in the water and enjoy the moment.
Donations may be made to an organization of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
43 Responses
We will both miss Val and our hearts go out to Steve, her numerous friends and family. Her spirit will be with us always. May your loving spirit soar, Val!
Our deepest condolences to Steve and all Val’s family. Although we had never met Val, I have heard so many wonderful things about her. We have known Steve for over 40 years, and he spent a lot of time with us when we were still living in Victoria. I know Val will be missed by so many people, and we wish we had had the pleasure of meeting her. Love to all.
With her infectious laugh, radiant smile and heartfelt consideration towards family, friends and the occasional stranger, Valerie will surely be missed by all of us whose lives she touched. With deepest sympathy. Susan
Val, you were an incredible human, always there to listen, no judgements, only encouragement and support. Will always remember the BBQ on the beach, where only you could pull me out of a dark time. I will miss you my sweet friend. I was so blessed to be able to see you one last time and hug you and tell you I love you on Oct 15th. Rest in eternal peace my friend, always in my heart.
Val has been such a light for me. She helped me so much in a dark time of need. Her love and light has healed parts of me that I never thought could heal. I can’t believe she is no longer with us but I know she is still present with us. Her spirit lives on and I will never forget the love she has given me xo
Jolianne
Val was one of the most beautiful people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She gave so much to my mum and I and made so many of our dreams come true, just out of the true goodness of her heart. Her love of connection and her ability to inspire happiness in everyone she met was something I’ve never seen before. Val was a special type of person and the world truly needs more people like her. In her honour I hope to live my life as she lived hers. She truly was an inspiration to many and I am so glad that I was blessed with her presence in my life.
My deepest condolences to her family, friends and every person she touched in her life. Sending hugs and love.
Love you Val, thank you for everything.
To Val’s Mum and Dad, thank you for giving us Val. I loved our travels on the road together, and later visits here and there. My heart is heavy, but I can just tell by reading everything here and on social media, many of us are filled with joy for having known her.
In addition to my message of love for Val I’m also sending my condolences to Val’s family, especially to Steve and Chloe who I did have the good fortune to meet. My heart goes out to all of you xx
As I posted on her Facebook wall, there are those who are fountains and those who are drains. Val was the biggest of fountains, always willing to give her time and help others. She was immensely helpful to me giving up her early mornings to have video calls with me all the way over in England. She taught me the concept of earthing and gave me so much valuable advice. I’m so sad that she will never get to come and sit on my deck as she had planned to, but I cherish the time I did get to spend with her and also with Steve. Fly high you beautiful soul, you will be so greatly missed xxx
Val was a lovely lady who always made us feel that we were special. We were expecting her to visit and spend time with us in the UK this year. Sadly that trip wasnt to be. Val you are sadly missed and have a special place in our hearts for as long as we live. Sleep well Sweetheart love Mandy and Craig xx