Valerie Trowell

While we grieve the passing of Valerie Trowell, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, niece, aunt, cousin and friend, we also celebrate a remarkable life—103 years filled with love, joy, laughter, and faith.

Val was born on January 10, 1922, at Abby Farm near Saltcoats, the daughter of John Alexander (“Jock”) and Bronwen Kerr (Jenkins). She grew up alongside her brothers Herbert (“Buck”) and David (“Rusty”), where her Scottish and Welsh heritage instilled in her the values of hard work, resilience, and family. Traveling to school in Saltcoats by horse and buggy (or cutter in the winter) with Buck at the reins, raising animals, and caring for the family dogs and cats were among her fondest childhood memories. She was active in 4-H, fastball, and track and field—early signs of her energy and love of community life.

After high school, Val worked in Saltcoats as a housekeeper and clerk at the Red and White store before returning home in 1943 to care for her mother until her passing. On November 8, 1946, Val married Jim, and together they began a lifelong partnership rooted in love and devotion. They built their home at Castlenau farm northeast of Saltcoats, which became much more than a home for their six children (and dogs including much loved border collie Abner) —it was a gathering place for cousins, neighbors, and friends from across the prairies. Sunday roast chicken dinners and Grahame district card parties were frequent. The smell of Val’s fresh bread and buns frequently welcomed the kids home from school.  The door was always open, the table always had room for one more, and the warmth of “Auntie Val and Uncle Jim’s” home was felt by all.  

In the early 1980s, Jim pursued his call to ministry, and Val supported him wholeheartedly as they moved from Saltcoats to Saskatoon, Inglis (MB), and Carrot River (SK), where Jim served as a United Church minister. Wherever life took them, Val brought with her generosity, kindness, and a gift for building community.

After retirement in 1990, Val and Jim returned to Saltcoats, where they enjoyed their home on Anderson Lake, garden, family, and the simple joys of life together. Their 60 years of marriage were filled with hand-in-hand walks, cribbage games, bike rides, square dances, old time dancing, family celebrations, and enduring love.

Val was steadfast in her care and compassion. She had the rare ability to listen without judgment, to offer wise counsel with gentleness, and to keep confidences with grace. Her joyful laugh and sense of humour was always present.  The sparkle of her blue eyes conveyed love, caring and a feistiness that was both engaged and engaging.  She delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—always with apple juice at the ready in their special glasses—and never missed an opportunity to cheer them on at school and sporting events.

Val’s legacy is one of unconditional love, living life to the fullest, faith, and celebration. She believed every day was a gift and lived with gratitude and presence. Her influence will continue to be felt in the lives of those she touched.

Val was predeceased by her husband Jim, parents Jock and Bronwen, brothers Buck (Jean) and Rusty (Elsie), sister-in-law Marion (Jim), and brother-in-law Bill (Bea). She is lovingly remembered by her children Doug (Corrine), Bronwen (George), Gerri (Ron), Glen (Betty), Verne (Bonnie), and Mark (Scott); grandchildren Leland (Cathy), Erin (Dave), Brock (Hilary), Kym, Stacey, Kaley (Fil), Shannon, Cristina (Todd), Derek (Margaret), Chelsea (Jaret), Layne (Monique), and Dylan (Brittany); numerous great and great-great grandchildren; generations of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and many dear friends and neighbors.

Her family is deeply grateful for the love, wisdom, and joy she shared across generations. Val’s life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love will remain ever present.

The family would like to thank the staff of St. Peter’s Hospital in Melville and Lakeside Manor in Saltcoats for the compassionate care during Mum’s final months.

Donations in Val’s memory may be made to Saltcoats United Church, Box 58, Saltcoats, Saskatchewan, S0A 3R0.

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