VALERIE HEATHER SPENCER February 14, 1927 - October 12, 2014 It is with pride we celebrate the life of Valerie Heather Spencer (nee McLeod). She was a superb soul mate, a great mother/grandmother, a wonderful friend and to those lucky enough - an excellent bridge partner. Valerie was 87. She passed away peacefully with her husband at her side at her home in Winnipeg. Valerie was born on a farm in Marcelin, Saskatchewan. She was the fourth of seven children born to Malcolm and Elizabeth McLeod. Valerie is survived by her husband of 58 years Ted, her sons Ted Jr. (Fran) and Jim (Barb). She is also survived by Debbie Spencer the mother of Teddy and Devon. Valerie's life was her grandchildren she was very supportive of their education and Nana's message to Katie, Holly, Allyson, Gordon, Teddy and Devon was strong and resolute "Nose to the grindstone and shoulder to the wheel"! Valerie was predeceased by her brothers Rod, Derril, Ian and her sister Doreen. She is survived by her brothers Gordon and Keith and her many nieces and nephews. Valerie grew up during the depression. Her family were farmers and everything they grew and raised was either sold or utilized for food. Times were tough but there was always food on the table. In the fall of 1943 at the tender age of 16 Valerie was off to university. There she met what was to be a life-long friend Marjorie Tanner. Their room was dubbed the "Den of Inequity" and Valerie was delighted at how much trouble her and roommate Marjorie could get into. In the spring when final exams were complete Valerie and Marjorie would hide the bottles from that term's house parties under a screen beneath the stairwell. She often has wondered when those bottles were found. Valerie became the first female from the Marcelin area to obtain a university degree in 1947. She was also one of the first female students at the University of Saskatchewan to obtain her Pharmaceutical degree. In 1954 while working at the Regina General Hospital Valerie was introduced to a dashing young man named Ted Spencer. A double date was arranged by mutual friends. Val and Ted were married on November 19, 1955. Valerie curled competitively for a number of years. In 1966 she and her curling team achieved the rare feat of going through the 128 team Prince Albert Ladies Bonspiel undefeated winning both major events and the Grand Aggregate. Many happy summers were spent at the family cottages at Echo Lake with Pop (Ted) and Mom (Stella) Spencer with Grandpa and Grandma McLeod close by in Fort Qu'Appelle. In 1971 Valerie and her family had moved to Winnipeg and they became members of Breezy Bend Golf & Country Club. Valerie and Ted made many life friends through their association at Breezy Bend. Their new house backed onto a beautiful park. However, in 1974 the City of Winnipeg decided to expropriate land behind Valerie's house in order to "put up a parking lot". Joni Mitchell would not have approved and neither did Mom! She spearheaded a group of neighbours that went to four levels of court before they won. It was a comfort in her last days that Mom could look out the window and gaze upon her beloved park. In 1983 Ted retired and he and Valerie were free to pursue warmer winters. They made many memorable trips to Western Europe and Hawaii with friends from Breezy Bend. It was also at this time that Valerie and Ted began to spend more of their winters in Palm Springs. The Breezy Benders formed the nucleus of a social group at Date Palm (formerly DeAnza) in Cathedral City/Palm Springs. Val and Ted travelled to Palm Springs until 2009. Valerie and Ted were often joined by family as well. Valerie's cocktail parties were special because she had a bell. When Valerie decided it was time for everyone to go home she would ring that bell. Everyone in Date Palm knew about Valerie's bell! In the early 1980s, at a McLeod family reunion at Echo Lake, Valerie was to get her family nickname. Anyone who knows Valerie knows how tenacious she is. Part of the festivities involved water skiing. Valerie who didn't even know how to swim decided to try. The boat pulled Valerie face forward underneath the water. With everyone on the boat yelling for her to let go Valerie finally did and from then on all of her nieces and nephews called her ... Auntie Submarine! In December 2008 at the age of 82 Valerie was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. She was told she had six months to a year to live. Valerie fought the cancer with the same tenacity she lived her life. Valerie refused to quit! As one friend remarked "I know your mom's determination ... and I feel sorry for the cancer!" He was right - cancer treatment was not going to stop Valerie. She spent time traveling with her family - highlights were cruises to Alaska and the Mediterranean. Valerie also read the business section of the Globe & Mail from cover to cover daily - managing her own investment portfolio. Valerie continued to play competitive Bridge during the chemotherapy and radiation. Remarkably she ascended to the honor of "Life Master Bridge Player." Valerie and her partners won several major North American bridge tournaments. In her final days Valerie enjoyed her loved ones and family. Despite the pain and her failing health Valerie made it to four graduations of her grandchildren in May and June of 2014. Her final wish was to spend her last days at home. Her husband and best friend made that happen. Ted woke at all hours of the night to administer medicine, pain killers and tend to Valerie. He never wavered in his devotion. He was a hero to all of us and the apple of Mom's eye. So now Valerie we congratulate you on a life well lived and we ring your bell for the last time. Rest well you have earned it! You will be with us everywhere and we will miss you always. The family would like to thank Sean (oncology nurse) and all of the hospice nurses who were so incredible with Valerie and Ted. We also thank Dr. Patricia Harris for her constant love and support. The funeral service/celebration of life will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at the Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 4000 Portage Avenue with Deacon Betty McLeod Miller presiding. The family requests that you make donations to the Canadian Cancer Foundation in lieu of flowers. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715