Waltraud (Val) Lawler passed away peacefully at 8.00am Friday October 5, 2012 in the arms of her deeply loved husband of 47 years, Michael and in the presence of their sons Sean and Kieran. Val passed on in the beautiful serenity of Bethell House Hospice, Inglewood where she had been attended to by its wonderful and caring staff. Val had been dealing with ovarian cancer for the prior nine months. Val was immensely grateful for the 50 years she spent with Michael, a life of joy and happiness in which they were able to live out their dreams, take so much pride in their two sons and their families, rejoice in each other’s love, companionship and share the company of numerous loving friends and family throughout the world.
Val was born September 26, 1941 in Wilhelmshaven, N, Germany, moving to Hamburg in her early teens. Working as a foreign language secretary she transferred to Milan Italy in1963 where she immediately met Michael who was also working there. They married in 1965 and moved to Frankfurt, W Germany. In 1967 they moved to Montreal and in 1981 to Cedar Mills and then in 2005 to Legacy Pines, Palgrave.
Val worked for Royal Le Page, Bolton Office for 20 years before retiring in 2005, she was a member of the Palgrave Tennis Club, different yoga and fitness clubs in the area, and she loved to hike and bike the local trails. She was a board member and volunteer at Abbeyfield Caledon retirement home, and a volunteer with Meals on Wheels.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S., Bolton on Monday, October 22 at 2 o’clock, followed by a gathering at Caledon Woods Golf Club, 15608 Regional Road 50, Bolton at 3:15 pm. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to Abbeyfield Caledon, 22 Walker Road East, Caledon East L7C 3K2 Abbeyfield Caledon House (cheques should be noted: “in memory of Val Lawler”). Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Anne DeCraemer
So very sorry to hear of Val’s passing. I worked out with Val at a variety of gyms in Bolton for many years and she inspired me in many ways. We loved to chat about our travels and adventures. She was a passionate, wise and progressive woman. She was powerful in many ways.
God Bless to her family during this time. I believe her spirit will be with us always.
XO
Anne
Hap & Lynda Parnaby
Dear Michael and Family,
Sorrow is not forever,
Love is.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Hap & Lynda
Elaine Uskoski
I am so terribly sorry for your loss of a wonderful woman. I met Val at A.C.T.S. Fitness Center playing round robin tennis, and then years later invited her to be a sub on our Palgrave Ladies B Team. She was a steady and fit tennis player, and one classy lady. Val had a very kind soul. May she be received, on the other side, with more loving arms, and may she rest in peace.
Elaine
Barbara Bate
My sincere condolences to Mike and family,my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I know you have many wonderful memories as have I of many happy years working beside Val. Love, Barb.
Elaine Willard
Dear Michael,
Please accept my sincere condolences. I knew Val through tennis and I always watched her so that I might learn new ways. She was a kind and lovely lady who was liked by everyone. She was fortunate to have such an attentive, caring husband by her side throughout her illness.
Elaine Willard
Anne Chellingworth
My Dearest Mike, Sean and Kieran,
There is one more star in the sky tonight because Val’s light will never be diminished. She adored you her ‘boys’ and enriched the lives of us her friends with her humour and commitment to living life to the absolute max. You are all very much in my thoughts at this time. With all my love Anne Chellingworth
Peter and Aretta Smyth and Family
Our deepest sympathy to Mike and family on the passing of Val.
We are often reminded that relationships never end, they simply change form. Val will always be with you.
Peter and Aretta
Betty Allen
My sincere condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of working with Val and always enjoyed her work ethic. Val rest in peace knowing the good you did with all those who came into your life. Betty Allen
Scarlette Leach
Dear Michael and Family:
I am deeply saddened to hear of Val’s passing and send my most sincere condolences to you all. Val was a wonderful friend to my mother Evangeline and me, and was an exemplary sales agent in helping us with the sale and purchase of two homes. Regardless of where and when we would see her in the area, it was always a meaningful moment, even if we hadn’t seen each other for awhile. Her friendship extended well beyond the business. She will be dearly missed.
Sincerely, Scarlette Leach
Brigitte
Dear Michael and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Val’s passing. My sincere condolences to all of you.
Brigitte Felske
John Swinden
My memories of Val will live on with me. She was my favourite mixed tennis partner at Palgrave for many years, not just because she was a good player. She was the epitome of sportsmanship, disciplined in her play, great company and lots of fun to be with. Her colourful outfits brightened up the entire court! My life has been richer because of my friendship with Val. May God continue to hold you in the palm of his hand.
Sincerely, John
Janet McCormack
To Michael, Sean and Kieran,
I am so very sorry to hear of Val’s passing. I have had the pleasure of knowing Val for the last 27 years. I first met Val when I became a secretary at Royal LePage, from there I became Dr. Kacer’s secretary and Val was our patient, and it was so nice when Val came to the gym I belonged too. I always admired Val, she was beautiful, well spoken and had a great sense of humour! I will miss Val’s beautiful, warm smile. My thoughts are with you all.
Keith Hart
To Michael and Family,
Tina and I are sad to hear about Val passing on. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God bless and comfort you all during this time of grief and may he hold Val in the palm of His hand.
Blessings and Love to you all.
Randy Flewelling
Mike, Marina and I are so sorry about your loss. Val was a wonderful person and very courageous in her battle. We share some fond memories of her including that wonderful dinner at One99 in Orangeville. We hope that in this time of loss you can also celebrate a great life lived and 50 fantastic years together. That is very special.
Victoria Edwards
Dear Kieran and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother passing away. She was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed.
Our condolences to all your family at this very sad time,
Vicki & Paul Mundy
Jeanette and Paul Briere
Val was a pleasure to know. We knew her for many years as a neighbour in Cedar Mills. While one us (Jeanette) spent time with her at fitness clubs, the other (Paul) played tennis with her. We had a tiny part in her world travels as we met up with Val and Mike at the Acropolis in Athens. Val was an inspiration to both of us. May perpetual light shine upon her.
Carolyne Wedgbury
Dear Mike and Family, I offer my sincere condolences on the loss of Val, a loving wife and mother. Both Dave and I have, over the years, witnessed the vitality for life and spirit of generosity displayed by Val. Try to treasure her wonderful memories while time gently heals your sorrow.
Joanne O'Neill
Dear Sean and Family,
My heartfelt condolences to you all at this very sad time. The obituaries are really touching and some thoughts expressed by Val’s friends show the wonderful person she was. May this be a real comfort to your Dad and to you all.
Sincerely,
Joanne
Michelle Niro
Dear Sean and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Michelle Niro and Family
Jean Szmidt
I offer my heartfelt wishes and condolences to the family. I knew Val only recently (this year). I saw her courage and strength.
Blessings,
Kaz Osuchowski
Mike, my thought and prayers are with you and Val.
I’ll never forget how both of you welcomed, helped and supported me and my family in our new country. The first toy Constance got was from Val & you, not to mention the first house Val helped us to buy.
May God bless and console you and yours.
Your Polish-Canadian friend.
Jenny and Don Ogden
Dear Mike, We are so sorry to hear of Val’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Graham and Mary Clark
Dear Mike…We are deeply saddened to hear this news. Our prayers are with you and the family.
Chris Thompson
To the family of Val,
I was so saddened to hear of Val’s passing. When I got into real estate 19 years ago, Val had already been in the business oh, I guess about 6 or 7 years. We worked for competative firms, but I always observed Val’s work ethic and she was one of the better agents that I hoped to emulate. She was a class act. I recently reconnected with her at the Bolton Athletic Club where we had many happy chats. If I hadn’t shown up in a while she would give me a stern glare asking where I’d been. God bless you Val. You will be missed.
Geoff Edwards
Mike, Kieran & Sean,
We’re so very sorry for your loss and deeply saddened by this news. Val was an amazing person and I learned so much from her growing up. I’ll never forget the trips to Myrtle Beach, and the many nice dinners with incredible food, good conversation and laughter.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this difficult time.
Geoff & Alicia Edwards
Dr. Kate Wharton
I am so sorry to hear of Val’s passing. Her vibrant personality and fighting spirit will be remembered by many, she should be an inspiration to us all. I feel honoured to have known her and to have been part of her life journey. Wishing Michael and the whole family peace at this time of great loss and sorrow. Take solace in your beautiful memories and know that she is in a better place. You are in my thoughts. Dr. Kate
JEAN A. DUNN
The Lawlor Family:
Sincere condolence to you all. No words will console you but hearing that Val was an important member of our small part of the world is good. Val was a positive, kind, interesting, lovely lady. Our paths crossed as fellow Realtors – she was always precise, efficient with her time and very professional – a credit to the industry. Val is often in my thoughts through one especially kind act – she shared with me her recipe for Smokey Lentil Soup. Val wrote “Happy Cooking! Happy Eating! – Val”. I make it often and remember her. Jean Dunn
Lucy Bennett
Dear Mike,
I am so sorry to hear of Val’s passing. My sincere condolences.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tobi Gepraegs and family
Dear Kieran and family,
So sorry to hear about your mother. She was always such an elegant lady. I still remember her running around Cedar Mills and often by-passing the school bus. We’re very sad to hear of everyone’s loss.
Alistair and Bri
Dear Lawler Family,
We are so sorry for your loss and want you to know we are thinking of you. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Sue Pippo-Chiarot
Sean, it has been many years since we’ve seen each other, but I was very saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. It’s unfortunate that it took a tragedy for me to send you a greeting. My thoughts are with you and your family…
Mary-Anne Holmes
Dear Mike, I am so saddened by your loss of Val. My daughter Kristen attended the grief support group with you and told about Val and your struggles. As we know not just the person who gets sick and dies suffers. Try to remain true to yourself and allow all the good memories sustain you through this grieving time. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts. Mary-Anne Holmes