It is with an extremely heavy heart and great sadness, I announce the passing of my mother, Mrs. Valerie Eva Mary Catherine MacKenzie (nee Chislom) in her apartment on Monday, July 18, 2022 at the age of 64 years. Valerie was born on August 20, 1957 in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. She studied Adult Education at the University of Alberta. She completed basic Military Training and received her 4th Degree Black Belt in Karate. Valerie received her B.A. at Trent University. She was loved, and she loved, those close the best she knew how. Those who knew her, knew she suffered a lifetime of alcohol dependance and depression. Unfortunately, and fortunately, her inner battle is over. I feel she can rest peacefully now. No more suffering. The last years were extremely difficult, a diagnosis of Wernicke-Korsakoff, which is an alcohol related illness that eventually, severely effects all organs including shrinking of the brain (dementia) and severe neurological issues that left her disabled in her last years. I remember when I was in grade six/seven, I didn’t realize it then, but over the last few years I’ve realized the hospitalizations with findings of organ issues/damage started back then and maybe before. It’s a slow and painful process. I am telling you this because anyone battling with addiction of any kind, please seek help. It’s so important for loved ones to not have to go through this, seek help for them, if not yourself. Love yourself and show your loved ones you love them by choosing them, which means choosing LIFE and happiness. It is never too late, until it is. This goes for all mental illness and addictions. Being addicted and struggling mentally is hard, healing is also hard, choose your hard. I know I did. Myself, other family members and friends of hers, had tried many times over the years to help her. She did have prevalent times. But unfortunately, those times were never permanent or long lasting. She will be missed. She taught me a lot. She did care when she could. She loved when she could. She was fun when she could be. Alcohol made it very difficult for her to be her true beautiful self. The Mom I loved, loved learning, baking, gardening, canning, airbrushing, motorcycle rides all over the place, music, guitar playing and jam nights and being with family and friends. I will remember the good times too. I love and miss you, Mom. I wish I could hug you one last time. XOXO. It’s still hard to realize, you’re gone. Valerie will be missed by her children, Craig MacPherson of London, Ontario and MJ Boos of Red Deer, Alberta; and her six grandchildren. She will also be sadly missed by her siblings, Lloyd (Joyce) Chislom, Garnet (Evelyn) MacPherson, Bernie (Debbie) MacPherson, Sharon (Marty) Cameron, and Wanda MacPherson, all of Antigonish, Nova Scotia; and Bernadette (Darren) Burton of Riverview, New Brunswick; and her stepfather, Earl MacPherson. Valerie was predeceased by her husband, John Slauenwhite; a daughter, Crystal Miller; and her mother, Winnifred (nee Bingley) MacPherson. A Celebration of Valerie’s Life will be held at a later date. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER.

• Date : 2022-08-06
• Location : www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com