Obituary of VALERIE JOAN CLOUTIER

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Valerie Cloutier

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother Valerie Cloutier, on January 28/22. Valerie was born and raised in Transcona. Valerie was predeceased by her parents Mildred and Hugh Cowan, and brother Don Cowan . Valerie leaves behind her children Arlyss (Chris) and Lindsay (Brad) and also many family and friends. 

Valerie grew up in Transcona and attended school there as well. Valerie spent her summer at the family cabin on Nora lake. She loved to be outside in the water swimming, water skiing, on the canoe with her brother, or helping her mom prepare meals. 

In the winter months when she was not at the family cabin Valerie was involved in community work within Transcona and with the Odd Fellows and Rebecca’s, and Letitia theta rho. Valerie attended countless sessions within Manitoba and in the USA. 

After high school Valerie attended college in The Pas, Manitoba, where she met her husband Ray Sutherland. Valerie married Ray in Winnipeg on February 12, 1971. Valerie was married a short time before she lost the love of her life to a mining accident, this was moms greatest loss. Mom returned to the safety of her family home. She did return to The Pas, and spent time between Gillam and Thompson working at varies places. 

Mom return to Winnipeg in 1973 and continued to work. In 1976 Mom met Randy Cloutier and married him 1980. Then divorced in 1986. Mom then took some time to find what she wanted to do for a career and decided on social work. Mom went back to school in her early 40’s while raising 2 daughters. Mom found school difficult at first but excelled with excellent marks. Mom graduated in 1994 with a degree in social work. While working as a social worker mom touched many lives and met many friends who still remain her friends today.   Mom absolutely loved being a social worker and changing lives with everyone she met. Mom had a special gift, people would tell her everything, even strangers in the most unusual places.  

Mom got the travel bug and found she loved Mexico. Mom went to Mexico every year for a few weeks at a time. We have countless pictures of mom on the beach with a flower in her hair having a drink.  

In the summer months mom enjoyed her pool and having many pool parties with her family and friends, mom was a great host. Mom retired from social work in 2014, and enjoyed her time with her family and friends. Mom had many health struggles along the way, but made the best of it, with the support of her friends and family. Mom will be dearly missed by all who knew her, and loved her. Mom touched so many lives. Celebration of life to follow at a later date. 

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Link for the Tribute Album: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UfEvez_JFPwinVKIjzzstWzWbLd2DdZS/view?usp=sharing