Valma Lorraine Pawlik

Val was born on April 6, 1935, in Viking, AB, to Ward and Aubyn Matthews, and was the fourth of seven children. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers Norm and Lyle, her sister Bev, her husband of 58 years, Ed Pawlik (2022), her first husband, Ken Halliday (1961), and her beloved sons Barry (1989) and Mike (2023).

Val is survived by her loving children: Vickie Mitchell of Grande Prairie, AB, Leslie Ash of Bellingham, WA, and Bruce Pawlik of Lake Cowichan, BC. She will be deeply missed by her thirteen grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren, brothers Allen, Wayne (Karen) and Keith (Tris) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Throughout her life, Val was known for her social nature and cherished spending time with family and friends. She formed lasting connections through her involvement in various community organizations, including Order of the Royal Purple, Mesachie Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Valley Fish and Game Club, Royal Canadian Legion, Curves and numerous bowling leagues. Even in her later years, she looked forward to crib night at the Legion and occasional trips to the local casino.

Val was particularly proud of her 40-year-long career with Avon, where many of her clients became lifelong friends. She was a source of strength for others, especially after surviving breast cancer, offering support and encouragement to those battling similar health challenges.

An independent and strong-willed woman with a wicked sense of humour, Val had many hobbies she loved. She enjoyed fishing and crabbing in Port Renfrew, canning, baking, reading, and solving jigsaw and crossword puzzles. Her enduring passion for life and her infectious spirit will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

The family will be eternally grateful to Dr. David Froese and Sandra Fraser from Lakeside Medical Clinic, as well as Mike Wright and Robin Long from BC Emergency Health Services, for their care, compassion, and friendship over the years. Special thanks also to Kelly Heslop for being such a thoughtful, caring friend and crib partner right up to the end.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 5, 2025 at 1:00pm at the Community Hall in Mesachie Lake.