Valerie Lilian Lois Brennan passed away after a lengthy illness on April 17, 2020 at the General Hospital in Ottawa. She was predeceased by her husband Martin in 2018 and brother Roger in 2019. She is survived by her sister Ann Moran, children Gillian (Larry), Michael (Sherri-Lynn), Paul (Sylvie) and Alison (Frederic) and grandchildren Amanda, Nicholas, Jean-Philippe, Emily, Andrew, Jason, Ian, Jeremy and Sarah.
Valerie was born in Bristol in 1935 to parents Cyril and Irene Harding. From an early age she enjoyed school and excelled in mathematics. After finishing school, she began working for an Aerospace Engineering company in Bristol while pursuing a university education in mathematics.
She met Martin and they married in 1959. After the birth of their first child they left the UK on their first grand adventure together to Australia, where Martin worked for a year before returning to England. In 1966, Martin accepted a job with the Canadian government and they moved with their three young children to Ottawa. Valerie remained in the home until all children were in school, at which time she enrolled in a Computer Science program at Algonquin College in Ottawa. At age 40, she began a twenty-year career as a computer programmer.
After retirement Valerie and Martin travelled extensively and enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren. Their scattered descendants would often gather at the family home where many fond memories were made. Valerie and Martin moved to the Rockcliffe retirement residence in 2017.
Although Valerie valued her independence and career, family was the most important part of her life. She was a caring and involved mother and grandmother, proud of her children and grandchildren. Even in her later years, when challenges arose with Martin’s health and her increasing dementia, she often spoke of being very lucky in life.
We would like to thank The Rockcliffe and the kind and caring Personal Support Workers who cared for our mother in her final months. Interment will occur at a date to be determined at the Beechwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Digital Guestbook
Elizabeth Coleman
Len and Pearl Bradd
We are so deeply saddened at your loss and send our deepest condolences to your family. Stay safe and God bless.
Irene Tammadge
Very sad to hear of Valerie's death. My love and prayers are with you all,
Kathy
Sending wishes of peace and strength.
Janet and Charles Nasmith
We are so sorry for the loss of your dear mother, Michael. Our condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.
Tara Hall
Dear Alison and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences in the loss of your dear Mom. I have so many fond memories of frequent visits to your family home where both your parents always made me feel welcome. In my mind’s eye I still see your parents seated in their favoured spots, watching the news, your Mom often with a book or knitting, as we would chat before you and I would head out of an evening, doing high school homework, or just having a visit. She had a great sharp sense of humour which I enjoyed and which she bequeathed to each of you. She was a unique personality and will be sorely missed. May her memory be a blessing. Requiescat in pace et lux aeternam.
Sheela Khandkar
Dear Gillian, Michael, Paul and Alison,
I was very sorry to hear of your mother's death. We have great memories of our families together on Dwight Crescent, with no fences between our backyards, and playing games of Red Rover and hide-and-go-seek. Your mother was always warm and friendly to the kids in the neighbourhood. Our mother (who just passed away in February) enjoyed your mother's steady friendship for many years. Those solid friendships developed between our neighbourhood parents were truly exemplary. From reading the above, it is clear that your mother was a strong pillar in the extended Brennan family. I wish you strength and courage through these hard times. Sheela K
Barbara Weselak
My sincere condolences to all of you. I can only imagine how lovely Valerie has been from my experiences getting to know and appreciate Gillian and Larry. To have raised such loving, kind and giving children is a great legacy. I wish you comfort in your memories of her - including those that make you laugh.
Stefanie McQuaid
Alison and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of your mum from our teenage years. May she now rest in peach with your dad.
John and Christine Tammadge
Dear Gillian, Michael, Paul and Alison,
We are very sorry to hear of your mother's death especially during this very difficult time when we cannot share our condolences together. I will always remember those precious times growing up together on Dwight Crescent - your mother always had a cheerful smile and an enthusiastic welcome! May she rest in peace now and our thoughts and prayers remain with the rest of you.
John and Christine
Condolences to all of you on the loss of a lovely lady whose calmness and always memorable smile made me feel so welcome everytime I saw her. Wonderful memories of being invited into your family on trips to Canada and feel lucky to have seen her relatively recently when we came for Martins funeral. It is lovely to know she will be with Martin at Beechwood which is a fitting and beautiful resting place for a loving and much loved couple