March 12, 1924 - April 24, 2024
“Soon be Christmas!” was proclaimed by our mother (often holding a glass of wine) on the 26th of December. She loved celebrations. It is with love and wonderful memories we share the news of the peaceful death of Valerie Margaret Maddren in her 101st year at Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth, Stratford, Ontario on Wednesday April 24.
Valerie was predeceased by her parents Gladys May and William Fossey, her brother Ken, and sister Joan Hodges. Her husband Eric Stanley Maddren died in 1989. Left to keep her spirit alive with stories and good memories, are her son Chris Maddren (Sylvia) and daughters Judy Maddren (Tim Elliott), and Penny Vivian (Kevin). Grandchildren Kristina and Caroline; Jeremy, Simon, Ben, and Pippa; and Allison, Alex, and Pamela. She counted (so far) 16 great-grandchildren.
Born in London England, Valerie was a veteran of WW2, serving with the ATS, driving officers to radar installations along the south coast of England. The family of four came to Canada in 1952, and Penny was born in Windsor.
In Grimsby, Ontario, Valerie started out as a stockroom ‘girl’ at the new Zellers, and then rose to be Assistant Manager. She was a powerful but understated role model for her daughters. She was also a Girl Guide Captain, a faithful blood donor, a driver for cancer patients to their appointments, a bridge player and an active volunteer at the Grimsby Art Gallery. St. Andrew’s Anglican Church was a cornerstone in her life. In 2018 Valerie moved to Stratford where Judy and Tim live. The family is very grateful to the staff at Anne Hathaway Retirement Residence and for the exceptional caring team at Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth.
Cremation has taken place. A funeral will be held at St. Andrew’s Grimsby at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the W.G. Young Funeral Home in Stratford. wgyoungfuneralhome.com
Donations in Valerie’s memory can be made to St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, 7 St. Andrews Ave, Grimsby, ON L3M 3R9 or Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth, 80 Greenwood Dr. Stratford, ON N5A 0J1.
