Valerie – Memories Whilst this is a sad time Val and I would ask for you to celebrate her wonderful life. Val was a remarkable woman who would light up a room when she entered always smiling which will live with us all forever... I would like to share a few memories of Val’s remarkable life... Valerie and I met at a friend’s birthday party at his home, which incidentally Val managed to gate crash. I recall looking across the room to see this young blonde hair good looking girl with a beaming smile and a twinkle in her eye. After catching her attention I went across we talked about music being played and other small talk. This was our first meeting well I was well and truly hooked. At the time Val told me she was 18 it was a few months later I found out Val was in fact 17 and was not 18 until 3 weeks later in May. It was around that time I was visiting the house to pick up Val to take her out it was later I learned Val had hidden all her birthday cards before I arrived to the house I must have made some impression... Well the relationship went from strength to strength after two years of young love and memorable times. Some of our guest will remember the long summer and bank holidays excursions to the lakes and seaside we all enjoyed along with all the good times... Yes Nick and Steph mum and dad were young once... Well I finally manage the courage to ask Val to marry me, interesting times Val’s dad George a season ticket holder for Man Utd and Valerie a season ticket holder and true blue for Man City and this Liverpool Scouser who wanted to marry his daughter, I have to say I was welcomed into the family with open arms and have never looked back... Val always had a positive outlook it was this drive, determination and passion that drove Val through all of her life. Val was a hairdresser during our early years together Val attended Worsley technical college qualifying as a hairdresser while working in a shop in Eccles. Later deciding to start her own mobile hairdressing business this young girl was blossoming to an independent young woman it was apparent early on her marvellous ability to care understand and empathise with people her selfless attitude to help others providing love and care made her role of hairdresser more aligned to a social worker. Whether it was helping with the shopping or taking someone to the doctors, Val was always there to help in way she could. I am sure some of those people which are here with us today and have their own stories to tell. Val and I were married in this very church here at St John’s 27 years ago by Val’s uncle Cannon Rev Desmond Mc Creery who came over from Northern Ireland it was the first time he had taken a service in main land UK... Quite a few here today were present at the wedding ceremony it was obviously it was a special and one of the most important days of our lives. Even to the point when Valerie and I knelt down at the front of the Alter, to an array of whispers, chuckles and finally laughter. Yes after carefully preparing for the most important day of my life I managed to leave the price tag on the sole of my shoes... It was such a perfect day and the start of a wonderful journey together. We moved into our first house and made a home, it was two years later Val provide me the first of two exceptional gifts the birth of our son and then three years later our daughter. Nicholas and Stephanie. Our lives have been rich and full of so many happy memories of our children growing up the caravan holidays, Somerset, Cornwall, Scotland, the foreign holiday trips to Spain, Mallorca and many more... Val has always been a caring person a loving mother, which has always been present by the close bond to our children Nick and Steph. The pride Val and I have had to see them grow in to the exceptional young adults they are today, making their own mark on life. Val never lost sight of the circles of family, friends, customers all had a special place. We enjoyed a close circle of friends who we all socialised on special events like the Cheshire shows, nights out in Manchester, Ladies night out at a local restaurant, some ones birthday or a simple night out at a club or pub. Val certainly loved her friends and family always with a smile and laughter some of those precious moments can be seen later captured in the photographs everyone has provided... I could not go without mentioning that Val was an avid Bingo player she enjoyed meeting her friends socially a couple of times a week Val rarely told me she had won I sure it went to extra treats for Nick and Steph. It was Val’s way of relaxing which I never questioned she deserved her time out... Some three four years ago Val let me indulge in my mid life crisis and let me by my MX 5 sports car it was quickly followed by my membership into the North Wales and Cheshire car club where we were both welcome with open arms. Val came out on quite a few car runs and more recently (6 weeks ago) went on holiday touring the coast of Ireland. Val did however draw the line with the car shows and camping. “Tom my camping days are well and truly over with the caravan” ... Val was loved by all we have had a number of garden parties, which Val and I hosted. Val was an amazing cook we all knew who won the title of “Master Chef in the Earley’s household.” Its leads on to an interesting story, that following a Sunday run out with the car club we acquired a Meerkat Mascot. The following week prior to leaving work a quick phone call to say that I was on my way home and I also asked what was for dinner. “I will let you know Val replied “. Ten minutes later I received a picture message with the Meerkat sat in a large cooking pot on the stove holding a help sign. Val certainly had a good sense of humour... Val’s mum and dad George and Freda after being here in the UK for 45 years decide to move back home to Northern Ireland Five mile town 10 years ago followed some two years later by Val’s sister Diane. Sadly Val lost her father George some four years ago again with the rest of the family. Val went across to Ireland to support Freda and the rest of the family through this difficult time. Val contracted Cancer – Malignant Melanoma some 7 years ago. After the hard hitting news and the emotion of the situation we both held each other I said at the time we would that we would always be together with this and that I would only ask one thing only of you that you would never give up always fight and battle this no matter what the outcome. Val my darling you certainly did... It was 6 – 7 weeks ago we returned from our holiday trip to Ireland with the car club which was followed with an extended stay in Ireland with Freda, Diane and the rest of the family. A week later after we returned Val’s condition started to deteriorate 2 weeks later it was diagnosed the cancer had spread the condition had become critical. While Val fought Cancer I would like to thank Julie, Leah, and many more of our special friends who have supported Val along the way. Val’s family and especially Val’s mother Freda who has been a shining example to us all losing a child cannot be easy. Freda it is clear where Val found the strength, compassion and understanding from thank you from both of us. It is at this point I would like to share a special moment with you. Val had returned from holiday and a week later lost the diamond in her engagement ring. I manage to have it sent away and replaced, however when we received the engagement ring back Val’s finger had swollen with the medication, undeterred I found a Jeweller that day to undertake the alterations and clean Val’s wedding ring. On returning home I went down on one knee presented Val with the engagement ring and asked her to marry me again she said “yes”. This was 3 days before she passed away. Christmas was “ Val” for me enjoying the festive season pulling out the Christmas decorations, decorating the house, celebrating, church, Christmas carols, cards, giving and receiving of presents, Val organised everything even arranging for me often than not to buy my own present remarkable really. However the true meaning was sharing the togetherness with family and friends. Val I can honestly say was the perfect wife, best friend and my soul mate. We rarely argued or had a disagreement with each other it was just sufficient to enjoy those precious moments together. That said Val possessed that special woman ability to provide you the “look” when words are not spoken but you knew exactly what a woman approves of or disapproves of. Yes gents we have all been there... Val never really discussed her illness only on certain occasions when Val was undertaking any clinical trials. Val commented that if her treatment helped someone else later on then it has been all worth while... Val never complained about the Cancer or asked the question why me. Val’s courage, positivity, determination fought on right until the end that what made her the special person she was. Val always made it clear she did not want to know if she had limited time, “Always saying it is my life I am too busy to die”. Val my sweet you lived life to the full with a unique golden smile you have lighten the way for so many people. Touching all our hearts with the care love and understanding you shared with us all. I would like to share some words which have provide me with some comfort. Some people make such a difference in our lives By simply being who they are. They make the world a better place, and when they’re gone. We realise how lucky we are to known them. The family have been overwhelmed by the kindness, love and support of all so many people. Val would not have wanted people to shed tears or to morn, but to celebrate a wonderful loved life. Val always wanted to live life to the full... Val God bless from all of us thank you for making our world a better place touching so many lives with love and understanding you will always be remembered with love and affection. “We will always Love you Val”