It is with a broken heart that I announce the passing of my Mom, Merrilou Valpy at Victoria General Hospital on November 8, 2024.
Merrilou is survived by her son Jeff Brocklebank; family back in Niagara, Ontario including her best friend since childhood Vivian and her family, and our family in Escondido, California. I must include Mom’s best friends in Vancouver; Birgit & Maurice and SueSue and her family. Mom is remembered for her love of live and laughter, and twinkle in her eye, all of us miss her dearly.
Mom was born in 1937 in Welland, Ontario, to her parents Mary and Paul Clarke. Then in 1975, Mom moved out West to Vancouver. Then a final move to Victoria on Vancouver Island in 2007. Mom was extremely creative with her Interior Design business with customers all across the country, starting with her store The Sign of the Pineapple in Niagara-On-The-Lake, then onto a partnership with a design company in Vancouver. This was her passion!
I’d would like to thank John Ellwood, Manager of Pacific Coast Cremation in Victoria for his compassion, empathy and professionalism in assisting me with Mom’s final details. I appreciate it very much.
I cannot put into words my heartbreak at losing Mom… I will love her as much as I always have, and will miss her every single day when I awake. If you’d like to make a donation to your local Dementia Research Group or Pet Rescue Charity in Mom’s name, she would be so happy. Thank you very much. I love you Mom!
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Jeff, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. When I think of her, I’m brought back in time where I recall jokes, smiles and an immense amount laughter with you, Joey and myself. I will never forget her, Jeff! 💐❤️
Our sincerest condolences Jeff. Your mom was one of a kind and will be missed.
Jeff, Our sincere condolences to you and rest of your family and friends. Mom, was a loving and genuine person, very special in many ways. Who can forget her unique smile and the laughter. She has touched our heart in many ways, and never forget her presents, warmth, and welcoming us to your place in West Van, so many happy and lively moments. We will miss her. RIP Marillou
Hedviga, Hassan, Gia
Thank you EVERYONE that has been calling, texting and emailing me with their beautiful stories of Mom. I appreciate each and every one of you. It’s my amazing friends and family that have given me the strength to get through each day. Mom… you were loved by so many people! ❤️
Jeff, sorry to hear of your loss. Your Mom was my father’s cousin and I remember visiting your parents when we would come out to visit Vancouver. Great times on their boat and visits at their condo in West Van. Your Mom was always so welcoming, and the best hostess. Our thoughts are with you.
Gary and Natalie Stickles
Hi Gary, thank you SO MUCH for the kind words. I certainly remember all your visits… they were great times! And your cards at Christmas telling us all about your adventures. Feel free to email me at home and we can talk about the good ol days! jeff.brocklebank@shaw.ca
All the best to you Gary
All the times I was around your Mom her quick wit and laughter even outdid yours 😅
I’m sending you a big big warm hug.
How else can I support you?
I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom Jeff. I can’t imagine what you are going through. If you need anything at all. Please don’t hesitate to ask.
Hi Jeff, so sorry for your loss. She was a lovely lady who seemed to be a very positive and loving person. She’s with you always and you will see her again. Be strong buddy.
Hi Jeff. I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how close you and your mom were. She was a wonderful woman. I have fond memories of her. Stay strong my friend. That’s a great obituary. ❤️
Lovely Jeff 💕 I’m sure it was hard for you to write this tribute to your Mom but she would be proud 🥲
Oh no, Jeff! Shocking news. I am feeling devastated for you, and so very, very sad in myself. You are right, though, that she is with God now, in his loving embrace.
If you want someone to be with you I can be there quite quickly – just say the word and I will come to wherever you need to be.
Thanks Jeff. Beautifully done. Mom would be proud! Thinking about you so very much these days. I hope you are doing better with each day. Love you!
I feel privileged to be your friend whom you can reach out to 💕 Of course this brought tears to my eyes again!! I’m glad you found solace at the church, it may be a place you can go to regularly to keep connected with people 😊. I do have to tell you that as you are thinking of your Mom, I was thinking of Mike as it would have been his birthday. Keep in touch any time! Take care of yourself and keep in touch. Hugs 🌹
“I’m so incredibly sorry to hear about your mom. My heart aches for you, and I can only imagine the pain you’re feeling. It’s beautiful to hear that she was not alone in her final moments and that you were able to share those tender, private moments with her. I’m here for you in whatever way you need—whether it’s talking, crying, or just quietly together. Sending you all my love and strength.”
Ah Jeff…we are so sorry to hear the news. And so sorry for what you must be going through right now. My heart breaks for you.
You and your Mom had such a close and loving relationship…”one of a kind.” Through all this sorrow it is something special you will be able to hold on to.
You’ll have a lot of grieving to do Jeff…and all you can do is take it one hour, one day at a time. It’s so very hard but it does get easier.
We’ve just had company arrive for the weekend, but if you’d like to get together on Monday morning for a coffee or a walk please let me know. I sincerely hope you have some friends or neighbours you can reach out to for the next few days.
Thanks for letting us know. Your Mom was a wonderfully talented, creative and unique woman. She was blessed to have you as her son.
Please keep in touch … and let me know about Monday if you’re up for a visit.
Maureen
You and your mom had a special bond. I’ve known that day since I was 14 years old. You were more than mother /son. You were friends, confidants, co-conspirators, partners of life.
As they say God works in mysterious ways. I think church is the best place to be at this time.
I went to church for the first time in my life shortly after my mom died.
Oh Jeff, I’m so very, very sorry. There are no words to ease the pain when you lose your Mom. You sure took the best care of her and she knew that. I certainly did. My sincere condolences. ❤️ I will let the family know as they ask about you often. Love you!
Oh Jeff. This is the text I’ve been long dreading. I’m so sorry to hear this, my heart aches for you and for us. She was such a wonderful grandmother, and we were not even her blood. You two always treated us like your own, and always showed us a great time and made sure we had all the fun and adventures, and great food! We were truly spoiled with her. I have told Randy, and he passes on his condolences and well wishes.
I know this is very soon, but if you have any idea if there will be a service, please let me know.
Oh Jeff, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your mom were very special neighbours and we miss you a great deal. Mom, Tannis and I are having breakfast right now at an A&W, so I was able to share the news right away. We all hope that your special memories will be a great comfort to you right now. I have no doubt that your mom is there with you watching your favourite shows on TV. Mom says to keep your chin up and that there will be better days ahead. Hugs from all of us! Mom says to tell you she’s planning to call you to come for coffee sometime. Talk soon.
Oh Jeff Im so sorry.
You two were inseparable. Your mum was such a beautiful woman and she holds a special place in my heart.
Sending you so mych love and the biggest hug 💕💕💕
Oh Jeff, I am so sorry you lost your Mom. My deepest condolences. You two were so close. Thank you for letting me know. She was always so kind to me. I didn’t think she’d even remember me, but she always did!
Hey Jeff. I was chatting with Morgan yesterday and he shared the very sad news about your mom’s passing. I wanted to let you know that I think about you and send the biggest hug your way in this difficult time. My sincere condolences.
I hope you find yourself well supported. Let me know if there is anything I can do (from my distant new/old home of Montreal).
Oh Jeff, I’m so very sorry. It is so very sad. I was just thinking that you had a bit more time with her. Falls as you know are very serious.
I hope you have someone to be with as you go through the next steps. You will adjust eventually.
Your mother now wants you to be healthy and happy and that is what you should do. If she liked oak trees, plant one…or a rose bush.
As our higher self knows nothing good is ever lost, it just moves. As you walk forward helping our sorry planet, you will come to know you are worthy of the place we all dream of being.
Now I’m crying my dear friend. She was very sweet, her eye for style, her blue and purple and silver colours .💙 💜. Your mother had a generous smile, we know what that means.
As time passes make sure you can walk over to see her, it’s what will make your life worthwhile and comforted. Your very dear and sad friend, dt +
Oh Captn my Captn. My heart is breaking for you. She was your everything 😫. What a lovely writing tribute you did. Will you be having a celebration of life at a later date? She’ll be there at her fanciest 💗💜🙏🥰🤗
Oh Jeff. We are SOOO SORRY
to hear this news. Know that our hearts and prayers go out to you at this most difficult time . Lou was SPECIAL and very fortunate to have had your dedication for these many years. We are here should you need anything. Big hugs to you. Keep us up to date❤️💕
Oh dearest Jeff. I heard of your Mom’s passing, cried and sent her my love. I didn’t call because I understand how difficult it would be for you to talk right now.
Know that I am here for you.
I lost my Mom in May and while I sat with her for almost 2 weeks, she left when I was headed back to Kelowna to get my wheels.
I will always remember those elegant soirees your mother organized for us. Her grace and style! She was a lovely lady and very special. We still have those beautiful blue bottles she gave us.
She will be watching over you.
Call when you want. Love you. ❤️ 😍 💖
Jeff, my heart goes out to you. Your Mom was such a great lady, a lot of fun and very wise. I know you´ll miss her so much and be comforted by how close you were and the times you spent together.
Linda Mireau
My sweet sweet friend! My heart is breaking for you!
Your Mom was always so sweet and funny with that wicked sense of humour and her dazzling smile. I know how close you were, you were each other’s everything. You were both so lucky to have each other for so long. It’s hard to lose a parent, especially when you have such a strong bond, but try to focus on the love and good times that you shared, it will help you get through the hardest times. Know she is out of pain, and try to take comfort in that.
We’ll raise a glass to our beautiful Merrilou, and know you are in our hearts ❤️❤️
We love you both always 🥰
Jeff,
I’m deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your amazing mom. My heart goes out to you during this incredibly difficult time.
Your mom was undoubtedly an extraordinary woman who raised an incredible son. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside you for years, and I’ve witnessed firsthand your kindness, humor, and compassion. You’re not only an exceptional colleague but also an awesome friend, and we all adore you.
I cherish the memories of our time together at work, and I’m grateful for the laughter and good times we shared. Your mom’s influence on your life shines brightly through your wonderful personality.
If there’s anything I can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re all here for you.
With love and deepest condolences.
Jim