VALENTINE SMYTH Obituary

VALENTINE SMYTH was faculty at Sisler High School in Winnipeg, MB. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Valentine Smyth.

School Role	Faculty
Date of Passing	Jun 09, 2015
About	VALENTINE SMYTH Peacefully, after a lengthy battle with cancer, Val passed away on June 9, 2015 at the Riverview Health Centre. She leaves behind her daughter Kathleen Chapman, son John (Ronda), and grandchildren Rachel and Kyla Smyth, and Luc, Alyssa, and Blake Chapman. She also leaves her sister Connie Wadge and family, and brother Ed Kolson. She was predeceased by her sister Joan, and her beloved husband Jack. Val was born on Valentine's Day in 1938 and grew up in the North End. She attended Strathcona School and Isaac Newton High School. She loved school, and was very involved with school activities, including serving as School President at Strathcona. She had many wonderful teachers who encouraged her to go to university, and inspired her love of teaching and working with kids. She graduated with her BA from United College in 1958. She began her teaching career in Neepawa, then returned to Winnipeg to teach at Sisler High School, where she met Jack. They were married in 1960, and Kathleen was born in 1961, followed a year later by John. Val loved staying home with her children when they were small, but continued her education part time. She went back to work with the Winnipeg School Division in 1970, and worked as a guidance counsellor, then as an administrator in several schools until she retired from her position as Principal of Isaac Brock in 1997. Val was very active with many different committees in her professional career as well as several volunteer organizations. She was involved in the Junior League, the Status of Women Committee, and Retired Teachers Association of Manitoba among others. She was a vocal advocate for women's rights and gender equality. Val and Jack were very active, skiing, golfing, playing tennis, and travelling with friends and family. They made many close friends through the Winter Club and later at Breezy Bend. Summer vacations included road trips all across Canada, as well as annual visits to Grand Beach, a favourite destination since her childhood. It has remained a family tradition to visit Grand Beach every summer with all the grandkids. Val absolutely loved to travel, and after retirement, she was thrilled to be able to explore many locations around the world. Highlights included New Zealand, China, Portugal, Kenya, and a visit to Jack's family in Northern Ireland. A real favourite was the trip to Disneyworld with their grandchildren in 2003. Val was very close with her children and grandchildren, and was incredibly proud of how they have all grown into such strong and happy adults. She was a great role model to all of them. They will miss her encouragement and interest and unwavering support very much. Val was one tough lady, and fought valiantly until the bitter end. The family would like to thank the Gynae-Oncology team at CancerCare Manitoba, as well as the wonderful staff of the 3 East Palliative Care Unit at Riverview Health Centre, and the palliative care nurses who visited her at home for several months. She received exceptional care and treatment throughout her illness. At Val's request, a small private memorial reception will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Riverview Health Centre Foundation (www.rhcf.mb.ca), 1 Morley Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3L 2P4. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9715 As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 13, 2015