Obituary of Valetta May (Henderson) McLaren

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.