We are heartbroken to announce that on Friday, June 17, 2022, Valerie “Val” Charlotte Bagnariol passed away at the age of 68, with loved ones at her side, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Val is survived by her son, Leaf; and daughters, Krystal (Greg), Jennifer (David) and Tiffiney (Jeff); siblings, Zelda (Stan) and Sherry; and nieces and nephews. She was a beloved nana to her eight grandchildren, Xander, Arya, Charles, Theodore, Carter, Nina, Jane and Grace. She was predeceased by her mother, Jean, and father, Curtis.

Val was a beautiful person with unbelievable perseverance. Anyone who met her would agree she was a force of nature. She chose life; she set a goal and then willed her body to move toward it in the face of unimaginable struggle. She proved her doctors wrong time and time again, defying all odds. She never complained. She lived for her children and grandchildren.

Val will be remembered as many things: a painter, baker, friend, lover of country music, quilter, manager, confidant, editor of school work, entrepreneur, chef, hostess, planner and organizer, avid gardener, nurser of wounds, drinker of tea, puzzler, fighter and survivor. But to those who knew her best, she will be remembered most as a loving mother and amazing nana.

Val’s illness, the grace with which she faced it, her ability to adapt and find purpose and joy each and every time her disease took from her is a testament to her strength of will. She taught those around her that there are tiny blessings everywhere if you open your eyes to them; that the greatest pleasures in life are the experiences that come from the togetherness of family; that when you slow down to focus on what truly matters, you realize there is joy to be found even in the mundane and fleeting moments of this life; in the end, there are so many reasons to be thankful.

Her family is eternally grateful for the extra time they had with Val. They will miss her forever.

There will be a Celebration of Life for friends and family Monday, June 27, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Park Memorial Chapel, 9709 - 111 Avenue, Edmonton, with inurnment at Holy Cross Mausoleum. Guests are invited to wear floral patterns or colours in honour of Val’s love of gardening. To view a livestream of the Celebration of Life, please visit www.parkmemorial.com and select “Webcasting” from Val's Book of Memories.

Donations in Val’s honour may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada