I am heartbroken to hear the news of Valerie's passing.
During my time in Belfast, over the course of yearly visits, Valerie became a kind of surrogate Mother to me: full of fun, constant support and just the right amount of motherly concern for a young man from Canada.
My time with Andy and Valerie holds a very special place in my heart.
On behalf of my whole family, I offer my condolences to the community of friends who have lost a very special soul. And to Andy... you remain in our prayers during this difficult time.
Wednesday 03 April 2019
John Kissick and Family, Elora, Ontario, Canada
My Dearest Friend, Valerie,
Sixty-four years of memories have been replaying in my mind, especially over the past few days. Mixed with the incredible sadness I feel is gratitude for all that we shared. Two teenagers, beginning their secretarial career paths, meet at the Technical College. We couldn’t have known the colourful life tapestry we would weave together, and individually, in the years ahead.
What I remember from those early days was how kind, wise and brave you were: sports-minded, riding a bicycle and later a Vespa scooter, where I would ride pillion. You went above and beyond, encouraging those who felt insecure (as I certainly did then). You gave so much of yourself to your family, your friends, your cub group and churches at St. Bart’s and St. Andrew’s, and with your singing.
We became friends and confidantes, laughed together, cried together, shopped for special occasions, got our ears pierced, and would breathlessly arrive at the office each morning, hoping to arrive and sign in just before our little boss drew his red line at 9 a.m., and we would be in trouble – again!
We talked about expanding our careers and heading over to London, but that wasn’t to be, as you were meant to stay and meet your beloved Andrew, while I would follow another path in Canada. Yet, in the intervening years we stayed connected and continued to build more special memories during vacations in both Canada and Ireland.
So today, my heart is sad that I can no longer pick up the phone and hear your voice, or come over and sit at the fireside with you and Andrew, sipping our beverages of choice and telling stories, but is comforted by knowing that you are at peace.
Blessèd be, Beautiful One, Blessèd be. Always, Dorothy
Sunday 31 March 2019
Dorothy B. Blandford (nee Mulholland), White Rock, British Columbia, Canada