May 31, 1935 - June 30, 2025
Valerie passed away peacefully at the North Shore Hospice just one month after celebrating her 90th birthday. Born to Harold and Dianne Mills in Hampstead Heath, England, she attended several boarding schools in the London area, forming many lifelong friendships and a love of learning. During summer vacations, she often stayed with her Aunt Lottie and cousins, Mary and Jean.
In 1956, at the age of 21, Valerie lost her father and only then discovered she had two half-siblings, Judith and Michael. In 1958, she immigrated to Vancouver sponsored by her cousin Mary and her husband, Dr. William Doughty, who had previously settled there after WWII. Thus began a close lifelong relationship with the Doughty family.
Valerie began her career at the NW Telephone Company, then happily became a stewardess at CP Air. She then found her calling in the travel industry, working at several Vancouver agencies with dedication and professionalism until her retirement in 1995. During her working years, Valerie made great friends and travelled the world, developing a sense of adventure which continued long into her retirement.
Valerie became an active and engaged member of her community, participating in numerous activities, including volunteering her time at the Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre and other local organizations. She also served on the Strata Council of Woodcroft Apartments, where she proudly lived for 48 years. She had an independent and resilient spirit, which allowed her to remain in her home well into her later years despite facing health challenges. She had many close friends and neighbours at Woodcroft who provided her with much care and support over the years. Valerie was stylish, organized and meticulous in everything she did. She was well read with a deep interest in politics, historical literature and especially the British Royal Family.
Valerie was loved and appreciated by her only sister, Judith and was a very kind, beloved second cousin of the Doughty family children, Mary, John (Pam) and Sean and will be deeply missed. She will be fondly remembered for her thoughtfulness and interest in the lives of the Doughty grandchildren, Coral (Todd), Joel (Amanda) and Jarris (Bethany) and the Doughty great-grandchildren, Lilyanna, Zackary and Jasper.
Our family would like to recognize and thank Valerie’ s caregivers and especially her friends who supported her over the years, as well as the compassionate staff at the North Shore Hospice.
In her memory, please consider a donation to the BC Lung Foundation, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Salvation Army or the Lions Gate Hospital Breath Program.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 1 pm to 4 pm, Sunday, September 7, 2025. The venue is to be determined. Details to follow.
