Obituary of Valerie Ann Guest
After a short but courageous fight, Valerie passed away peacefully at home with Bob, her long term partner by her side at the age of 68. She was the loving mother of Nicky Guest (Tyler) and Ashley St. Michael (Fred). She was the world's best Grandma to Devon, Chase, Mia and Cameron as they were her greatest accomplishment in life.
Valerie leaves behind her brothers Carl Hisko (Sandy) and Tim Wilson (Karen) and sister Nancy Nolan. She will always be remembered as "Aunt Val" by her nieces and nephews. Valerie was predeceased by her mother Alma Hisko and son Curtis.
Val will be greatly missed by her amazing group of friends-Connie, Beth, Sandy, Jodie, Julie and everyone who worked with her at PSP in Arnprior. She loved going to work every day because of the wonderful people there and will always be remembered for her outgoing personality and unmatched spirit!
She will be truly loved by everyone who had the pleasure to know her over the years. Whether you were lucky enough to call her family, dear friend, met her through work or mutual friends, were part of her extended family or in-laws or met her at one of her favourite spots-the rink. She lived to watch her grandkids play hockey and was devastated when she wasn't well enough to go anymore. Grandma will always be cheering from the stands! If you know her, you knew Val loved the Toronto Maple Leafs and had likely lost a bet or 2 to you over the years. In November when we first found out she was sick she said "I have to live long enough to see the Leafs win the cup!" To which we replied "We don't think any of us are going to live that long". There's always next year Val!
She was the most generous and giving person and was happiest when she was doing something for someone else. She always sent cards and gifts, bought tickets to whatever you were selling, donated to everything she could and always made sure everyone around her was looked after and loved. Losing Val leaves a hugh hole in all of our lives.
Valerie taught us many lessons-your children come before you, no matter what. You can be tiny but mighty. Show up to work every day and work hard. Love your friends and family because they are everything. Be grateful for what you have and not envious of what you don't. Wash the dishes by hand-they come out cleaner. Always stay busy even if you're just "puttering". Cheer for your team even when they let you down year after year. Budget your finances and stay organized. Eat slowly and enjoy your meal and don't waste anything. But most important, enjoy all the simple things in life!
Thank you to Dr. Lavigne, Paula and Melissa and all of her doctors and nurses in Ottawa, Pembroke and Renfrew over the last 6 months as well as her at-home care team that we will be forever grateful for. The biggest thank you to Bob Visinski for taking the best care of her and allowing her to stay at home for her final months until she could be at rest.
Val's final care has been entrusted to Goulet Funeral Home. As per her wishes there will be a private funeral for immediate family only. A celebration of life will follow with a date to be determined. Donations in Valerie's memory can be made to Hospice Renfrew.
