Valerie L. Caton

She died peacefully in Victoria, with her son Clive, and daughter-in-law Susan, by her side.

Predeceased by her husband Walter (Bill) Caton and parents Alfred and Lillian Dowty, she is survived by her son, Clive (Susan Turnbull) Caton, granddaughters Sarah, Annika and Caroline, and six great grandchildren.

Mum led an eventful life. She was born in Portsmouth, England and grew up there and in Plymouth. Thirteen at the start of WWII, she was initially evacuated to SW England, but returned to Portsmouth to be with her family. She endured many air raids, finished her schooling and then worked as a secretary at the local aviation company.

Mum met Royal Navy Petty Officer and ex-Commando Walter (Bill) Caton in 1945, and they married in 1947. Dad stayed in the RN and over the next six years appointments included two years in Malta. At the end of this period they decided to immigrate to Canada. Dad transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy and the family moved to Halifax in 1953. There followed numerous postings within Canada, to the UK and the US. Dad was commissioned in 1959 and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Dad was often away and Mum had to deal with life alone including the challenge of raising a young boy. She became a very strong and confident woman.

Their last posting was to Norfolk, Virginia, USA. While there Mum lost her leg to cancer. She overcame her severe amputation with remarkable fortitude and courage, even learning to drive again. Two years later, Mum lost her great love when my father died suddenly. Now a disabled widow she returned to Halifax. Her life was suddenly even harder but she carried on and with the help of good friends managed to thrive.

Moving to Victoria in 1973 she settled in Oak Bay and lived there until her move to Retirement living eight years ago. In the 45 years she lived in Victoria she was very active. She worked on and chaired her strata council, was an avid bridge player, voracious reader and opera lover. Mum also enjoyed an active social life with a wide circle of very good friends. Through those friends and her membership in the Naval Association of Canada she maintained her connection to the Navy. In spite of her handicap she travelled extensively within Canada as well as to England, Germany and the US.

My mother was a woman of high principles and strong convictions who expressed her opinions forthrightly. She also was very generous and thoughtful. She loved her family deeply and remained true to her friends.

Thank you to the nursing and care staff of Amica at Somerset and Douglas Houses. The end was easier with your care.

By her request there will be no funeral but a memorial service is being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Victoria Hospice.

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Remembering Valerie

Courageous as a young woman, she lived through the bombing of Portsmouth, England during World War II;

Adventuresome as a young wife and mother, married to Walter (Bill) Caton RN & RCN, she moved to Malta, then immigrated to Canada and moved many times in Canada, back to the UK and finally to the US;

Resilient and courageous after the loss of her leg to cancer followed two years later by the sudden death of her husband, LCdr Bill Caton, while on exchange duty with the USN;

Resourceful, as a young widow, she started a new life in Victoria;

Loving and giving in her relationships with her son Clive, daughter-in-law Susan, granddaughters Sarah, Annika and Caroline, six great grandchildren and with her many friends in Victoria, around Canada and in the UK;

Intelligent and impressive, she read voraciously and travelled extensively, normally solo, to visit family and friends. She stood up for what she believed in, wrote numerous letters and served as strata council member and chair; and

Fun-loving, she enjoyed bridge, the arts and many social gatherings.

She was always a woman of high principles and strong convictions.

As Mum, Grandma, GG and friend, we mourn her passing.