Valetta May (Henderson) McLaren
January 30, 2013
With great sadness Suzanne McLaren (Gerry Alger), Scott McLaren (Linda McLaren), Betty Jean O’Reilly (Dave O’Reilly) announce that our gentle, sweet, mother, Valetta May (Henderson) McLaren born November 8, 1915 passed away January 30, 2013 in Victoria Hospital, London. Valetta was predeceased by husband Bill (William John) McLaren 1998. Valetta was a proud and loving grandma and great-grandma to Jennifer and Meghan Leitch, Christine and Emmett O’Reilly, Tom and Angela Porter, Tammy Porter, son Shane, Laura and Vlado Bali and children Maddison, Matthew, and Lucas. She took real delight in her children and grandchildren’s achievements. Mom looked forward to the yearly cottage adventure where she soaked up her family’s sunshine. Valetta is survived, in her generation, by loving sisters-in-law Marion (McLaren) Fidlin (Norwich), and Margaret Henderson (London). She will be remembered fondly by numerous nephews, nieces, and friends. Valetta was the youngest child of five children born to Edwin Henderson and Maggie Ann Carruthers, Caradoc Township. She was pre-deceased by her parents, elder sister Elizabeth (Henderson) Bolton and brothers, John, Frank, and William Henderson. All lived long and healthy lives. Mother, forever a quiet, country girl, loved life working in partnership with Dad in our dairy operation on Finnart Farm, North Dorchester Township. She was a member of Crumlin United Church, the UCW, and Crumlin Women’s Institute. Mom and Dad retired to property in London originally settled by McLarens. Family was the most important thing in her life. Mother delighted in visits from children and grandchildren. She enjoyed her gardens and the backyard overlooking Kiwanis Park. Spring, summer, and fall would find her sitting in her Adirondack chair contentedly observing birds and the changing seasons. Mom thoroughly enjoyed afternoon drives to view familiar neighborhoods and the progress of crops over the growing season. After entering Maple View Retirement Residence she looked forward to water colour painting classes. Visitation, Monday, February 4, 2013 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London will be followed by a celebration service beginning 11:00 a.m. honouring Valetta’s life with Reverend Kathy Fraser, North Caradoc – St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church officiating. An interment service will follow at Dorchester Union Cemetery, Dorchester. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Caradoc – St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, The Heart and Stroke Foundation or to a charity of your choice.
Leave a tribute for Valetta May (Henderson) McLaren
Leave a tribute
(Donated to The Heart and Stroke Foundation)
(Donated to North Caradoc - St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church)
(Donated to The Heart and Stroke Foundation)
(Donated to The Heart and Stroke Foundation)
(Donated to North Caradoc - St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church)
(Donated to North Caradoc - St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church)
BJ, Suzanne and Scott. We are in Florida and just learned of your Mom's passing…we are so sorry to hear this news. BJ, I wish I was there to return that wonderful hug I got from you when my Mom passed, a virtual hug to all of you for now. I still have that article of your Mom, that was in the paper when Maple View was undergoing renos....she always had such a positive view on everything. Our sincere sympathies…Christine and Maarten and Les Fredin
Suzanne, Scott and BJ, Very sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Brings back lots of memories of growing up as your neighbours. Your tribute to her is so lovely, and so 'her'. My thoughts and sympathies are with you all.
Scott, B.J. and families. Our sincerest sympathy on the loss of your mother.
Ken and I offer our sincere sympathy to all family members and you will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
BJ, Scott and Suzanne: What a wonderful tribute written for your mom! Please accept our sincere sympathy to you and your families in your time of loss. We do hope that in the days ahead there will be lots of opportunities to relive your many happy memories of life with your mom. We are thinking of you.
Suzanne, Scott and BJ: Please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of your Mother. She was a one of a kind person and was so proud of all of you. If we all could be half the great person she was it would be quite an accomplishment. Keep all the memories close to your hearts. Mary Ellen Williamson
I was so sorry to hear of Valetta's passing. My deepest sympathies to all the family. She was a very special, caring person who loved her family deeply and enjoyed sharing both celebrations and quiet times with those dear to her. She lived a full life and will be missed by all.
Sorry for your loss thinking about your family at this time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the McLaren family at this time. Many memories of Valetta & Bill come to mind - from days long ago. She (they) were long-time friends of my parents.
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. John and I are keeping you in our thought and prayers during this difficult time.
Jack & I send our deepest sympathy in the loss of a dear Mother and Grandmother.
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The Heart and Stroke Foundation
North Caradoc – St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
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So sorry to hear of your mother's passing, B.J. Scott and Suzanne. Valetta was indeed a lovely and gracious person. I particularly recall her kindness when she helped out with CGIT. You will miss her, but everyone will remember her sunny and open smile. My sympathies are with you and your families.
~ Ruth (Wills) Loreto