DAVIDGE, Valerie Margaret

February 18, 1944 – May 16, 2021

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Valerie,
peacefully in her home on May 16, 2021 after a brief but hard battle
with kidney failure. Valerie found rest with her adoring husband of 55
years, Keith, by her side.

She will be greatly missed by her daughter Ellen Richards (Drew) and son
Piers (Kim). Cherished grandmother to William, James, Penny, Emily, and
Sarah.

Valerie was born in Abingdon Oxfordshire England to Jim and Peggy Ayley,
where Peggy had been evacuated to avoid the blitz, before living her
early life in Eastleigh Hampshire. Valerie attended Totton Grammar
School from age 11 until 16, from which she held wonderful memories.

Despite perfect academic results, Valerie was not given the chance of a
University education. Leaving school, she entered municipal and county
government, rising rapidly with promotions until motherhood, and
subsequently emigrating to Canada with Keith, Ellen, Piers, and a
Siamese cat, became her priority.

Upon settling, Valerie became Executive Director of Information Markham
(in the paper days before the Internet) and developed the service from a
tiny 2 person operation to a municipal entity with its own premises.

Later, after moving to the west end of the city, Valerie spent many
years as Executive Director of the Streetsville BIA, and was involved in
organizing municipal events such as the Missisauga Santa Clause Parade.
After a brief break, Valerie became involved in another of her passions
and was the administrator of the Canadian Donkey Sanctuary.

During this whole period from her teens, Valerie was also involved in
her love of cycling and cycling racing. She was a nationally qualified
official and committee member, also being the chair of the Ontario
Racing Committee, earning herself the affectionate title of the “Iron
Lady of Canadian Cycling”. She was instrument in the sport and
recreation we see today. She also organized and promoted numerous
international events, including the Canadian National Championships in
Hamilton in 1995.

Apart from all her endeavors, she considered her happiest achievement
was, after several years of study, graduating from the University of
Waterloo with a degree in Religious Studies at the age of 65. This was
something she has been unable to do in her youth and something that gave
her family immense pride.

Due to the current situation and pandemic restrictions, a private family
Funeral Service will take place at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral
Home, Hart Chapel. All are welcome to stream the service on the internet
via ZOOM. Link on her memorial page on the funeral home website.