Valerie Umpherville

Valerie was born Saturday, May 16, 1964 at The Pas, Manitoba to Robert and Florence Umpherville. She received her education in The Pas, Manitoba, as well as receiving a certificate in “Life Skills Training”. Valerie worked at various places, including waitressing and bartending throughout Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. She loved travelling and creating friends wherever she went. Valerie was very charismatic and loved to laugh. In spite of the road she chose to walk, she lived by the values and traditions taught to her by her Kokom “Sophia” and Aunt Lucy, who raised Valerie. Valerie had a big heart and shared it with everyone within her circle. When she was well, she loved looking after her extended grandchildren and godson Damian McKenzie. Valerie passed away Saturday, August 24, 2013 at Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, with her family and friends by her side, at the age of 49 years. The evening of her passing Valerie spoke on the phone with her son Raymond, sister Bev, aunt Lucy and niece Patsy. She also listened to all the hello greetings and messages which were read to her from Facebook. She also listened to Lukum and Chip as they read and stumbled through the words of the Book of James. Valerie is survived by her children, Raymond (Krystal)Bignell and Denelda Tambouri; grandchildren, Ryan, Rhianna, Raymond Jr. and Jessie Bignell; sisters, Bev Sinclair (Mike), Sophie (Michel) Pitre; brothers, Robert (Maureen) Umpherville, Joseph Umpherville; aunt, Lucy (Alex) Pruden; uncle, Raymond (Eleanor) Lathlin Sr.; nieces and nephews, Patsy Grey, Harry Umpherville, Aaron Umpherville, Albert Genaille, Kaila Genaille, Caleb Pitre, Phillip Sanderson, Gabby Umpherville; cousins, Charlie (Liz) Umpherville and family, Marlene Ross and family, Henry (Barb) Ross and family, Gertrude (William) Murray and family, Florence (Nathan) Ross and family, Art (Cheryl) and family, Shirley (Joe) Jewels and family, Mary Highway, Lathlin Family, Ballantyne Family, Thomas Family and Umpherville Family; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Valerie was predeceased by her parents, Florence and Robert Umpherville; Kokom Sophia (Donald) Lathlin; uncles and aunties, Arthur (Lillian) Lathlin, Eliza Ross-Lathlin, Harry Lathlin Sr., Raymond Umpherville, Silas Umpherville, Lillian Ballantyne, Elsie Mink, Herbert (Irene) Highway; cousins, Henry Highway, Oscar Lathlin, Sam (Pauline) Lathlin, Lorne Darling, Harry Lathlin Jr., and Nora Lathlin. ˜™WAKE SERVICE: Thursday, August 29, 2013 Margaret Henderson Parish Hall, Church of Redeemer, Opaskwayak, Manitoba FUNERAL SERVICE: Friday, August 30, 2013 11:00 a.m. Church of Redeemer, Opaskwayak, Manitoba Presider: Rev. Bruce Constant Scripture Readings: Shirley Jewels, Virginia Constant, Hazel Deschambeault-Harris, Joni Dumas Eulogy: Lorette Nabess and Gertrude Murray INTERMENT Emmanuel Cemetery, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, MB ACTIVE PALLBEARERS: Lorette Nabess Virginia Constant Lana Kobelski Charlene Michelle Grace Head Gertrude Murray “Gabby Girl” Kaila June Genialle Sandra Stevens Sharmaine Sinclair HONORARY PALLBEARERS: All Valerie’s Family and Friends If friends so desire, donations to the Living Water Soup Kitchen or the Oscar’s Place Soup Kitchen, would be appreciated by Valerie’s family.