Valerie Jean Mascotto

Valerie Jean Thompson was born on December 13, 1933, in Kamsack, Saskatchewan. Along with her parents, Louva and Arthur Thompson, she lived with her younger siblings; Blanche, Alvin, Lois and Gary, in Bellsite, Manitoba. She lived in various communities, including The Pas, Winnipeg and Regina. In 1955 she made Sioux Lookout her home.

As a teenager, her first job was working in a movie theatre. Later on, she worked for the Canadian National Telegraph, Bell Telephone, Indian Affairs, then joined Dad in the shop (Mascotto's Marine). After the business was sold in 1988 she worked at the General Hospital, until being forced to retire much to her chagrin.

In 1956, Valerie married Elso Mascotto and they had 3 children. They loved to socialize, attending local dances, square dancing, boating and getting together with friends. Not only did Valerie work full time, but she was very involved with all of her children, including making time to attend all of their sporting activities. She supported Elso in all of his activities and his love of horses became hers. She had a sense of adventure. Summer vacations were spent camping at Baver Fenelon Park and one summer she took her children via train coast to coast. Valerie was passionate about her family, her friends and making memories at the "the shack," tobogganing, snowshoeing, buggy and sleigh rides, knitting, weiner roasts and fish fries. She made the best care packages when we left home! She was a member of the Catholic Women's League and later on, the Senior's Centre. She was a strong supporter of Cedar Bay, believing it was invaluable for the town of Sioux Lookout. She tirelessly baked cookies, collected and counted pennies, trying to fundraise. Valerie was a 'great listener' and was not afraid to stand up for something she believed in. She could always see the silver lining and could be heard saying "this too shall pass" many times.

Valerie was predeceased by her husband Elso in 2017, her parents Louva and Arthur Thompson, her sister Blanche Funnell. She is survived by her son Myles (Wendy), grandsons Kyle (Brooke), great-granddaughter Madison and Blakely, Iain (Shonagh) great-grandson Nolan, Jeff (Hayley), great-granddaughter Myla, daughter Sheila (Jeff), grandsons Jake (Alysha), great-granddaughter Kinsley, Luke (Tiina), granddaughter Kalen, daughter Dawn (Sean) granddaughters Charlie and Georgia. Valerie is also survived by sister Lois, brothers Alvin, Gary and their families. Valerie will be missed by all who knew her. Private celebration will be held as per Mom's wish. Interment will be held at the Sacred Heart/Northway Cemetery, at a future date. A special thank you to the staff of F.J. Davey Home, Sault Ste Marie, ON, for the care and compassion provided to Valerie in the last 2.5 years. If friends so desire, donations may be made to Friends of Cedar Bay, Sioux Lookout, Alzheimer Society of Ontario, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E.705-759-2522) Sault Ste. Marie. Please visit Arthur Funeral Home website obituaries to leave memories and condolences as a keepsake for the family.

Mom's favourite poem is called "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer. She had to memorize it in school and then later in life found deep meaning to it. Here it is...

Trees

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree,

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

Her favourite hymn is "Peace is flowing like a river."

Myles, Sheila and Dawn