Vally Ester Mereau

Vally passed away peacefully, with family at her side on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at the age of 86 years. She was born in High River, Alberta, to Angelo and Ester, proud Canadians of Northern Italian heritage. Vally grew up on a farm southwest of High River and had fond memories of her time there, including being piggybacked on a racing horse back to the barn with her brother Reno. Her heritage shaped her generous nature and her love of family, good food, and laughter.
Vally excelled in school, skipping a grade, and receiving a gold medal in mathematics from the University of Alberta. Following her graduation, she ventured off to Costa Rica to teach, a far-flung destination at the time. Vally married in 1958 and was soon the proud mother of two, Marc (Michelle) and Thérèse (Kent). Her family grew to include her grandchildren, Paul (Audrey), Jacqueline, Robert (Alexia), Natalie and Conrad, all of whom she adored. Vally cherished her family and friends. She was an exceptional cook and, drawing on her heritage, always had an abundance of baked goods, bread and home cooked meals on hand to bring family and friends together. Vally was immensely proud of her family. She was kind, witty and elegant. She brightened everyone's day. She will be missed dearly and remembered lovingly by her family and friends. A private celebration of Vally's life will be held in the new year. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Vally's family through www.evanjstrong.com. For those wishing to, we ask that you provide a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation ( telephone: 1-877-882-2582; email: donorinfo@heartandstroke.ca) or offer a kind gesture to someone in her memory. Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES. (403) 265-1199.