With great sadness, we announce the passing of Valerie Lillian Lorraine Bentz (née Timko) on 18 February 2025, at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital.
Valerie was born 31 March 1935 in Fort William, the eldest of nine children born to Mary and Andrew. She was a resident of Thunder Bay. Valerie married handsome Paul on 13 September 1958, and they had four children. She was a working mother, who enjoyed flex time and remote work before they were a thing. She was a talented draftsperson, and a boss once called her “the artist”.
Valerie was, in a word, awesome. Charming, intelligent, vivacious, funny, and always kind. A very bright light. Those closest called her “Honey”. She loved Jeopardy!, biographies, cookbooks, major sporting events, trips to the library and casino, cards, Scrabble, and her iPad. She had movie-star elegance and a voice to match. Paul always said “classy”. And before she gave it up, she enjoyed her Mores on a cocktail-length cigarette holder. She and Paul enjoyed travels that included invitations to the captain’s table, camel rides, and Italian pensioni. She encouraged all of us to be bold and speak up, be honest, get an education, follow our dreams, and support one another along the way. She was a beautiful, caring force. She never judged us, only loved us.
She is survived by her children Lori and husband Rob Sim (Vancouver), Paula and husband Denis Barriault, and Mark and partner Shannon Frizzell. Grandchildren Charlie and Lucy (Vancouver), Natalie and Valérie, Daniel, Erik (Halifax), and Julia. Her siblings and their spouses Lawrence and Carol, Clifford (Toronto), Judy and Gil (Winnipeg), Ken and Wilma, Ron and Ursula, Bobby and Cathy (Gimli), and Glenn and Sharon. Great grandchildren Kain, Sophie, Breanna, Cloé, and Lucas. Numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.
Valerie was predeceased by her parents, husband, sister Audrey Milne, daughter-in-law Laura Bentz, and her infant daughter, Mary Claire.
Thank you to the exceptional staff at the hospital, especially the nurses.
At her request, she will be cremated, and no funeral service will be held. Please remember her with love and fond memories. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Diabetes Canada.
She will be forever missed and celebrated.
On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com
