Obituaries

Val had the best sense of humour. The Rennies always had all kinds of animals, but I got a call from her one day to announce that they just got their first kitten, which was was going crazy, running up and down the drapes and mewing frantically. What could the problem be? I tried asking all kinds of questions, and finally reached, 'Has it gone to the bathroom?' Val replied that in fact, no, it hadn't yet, 'but I put down some newspaper for it.' She didn't know that cats needed a litter box. Luckily they had some sand in the back yard for a construction project, so I explained the theory behind a litter box, and suggested that if she lined a cardboard box with plastic and threw in a good layer of sand, that might be close enough. 'Then call me right back, okay?' 'Okay!' she said. And I waited and waited... finally I called her back after half an hour and asked, 'What happened with the kitten?' Val laughed her great big contagious laugh. 'It's STILL peeing!' she said, 'but it seems to have a big smile.' That was Val, always down to earth and ready to laugh, even at herself. She was lovely and the world is a poorer place without her. All my sympathies, Kate

We are so saddened to hear of your loss of Valerie. Though many years have passed since we grew up beside all of you, time has not erased the memories - Valerie will always be remembered for her quiet, yet friendly and gracious ways. May you all find peace and strength in your memories of her. RIP ValerieThe entire Woodcock family.