Valerie Jane Vera

Valerie Jane Vera was born on November 10, 1950. She grew up on a farm northwest of

Gronlid, Saskatchewan. She was educated at Taras and Gronlid Schools and graduated from

Melfort and Unit Comprehensive Collegiate. After studying at the U of S in Saskatoon she began

her career as an elementary school teacher at Pleasantdale, Saskatchewan. Although she and her

husband moved to the Okanagan, the prairies remained dear to her. Her son, Elmer Malcolm

Wachniak, was born on September 20, 1974. Val independently overcame any obstacle she faced.

The ability to problem solve with calm and determination is a trait she instilled in her son.

Val’s friendly personality and warm smile came to be well known in Vernon while she worked at the

Rec Centre and then at City Hall. Colleagues enjoyed her unique sense of humour and the

delicious home-made treats she brought to the lunchroom. She loved her job and had a great

work ethic.

Val loved her family, her friends, her Samoyeds and life in general. She had many

hobbies. Val loved reading, traveling, attending concerts and performances, playing Jeopardy,

shopping, volunteering, cooking, baking, gardening and bowling. Val was an accomplished

seamstress having begun sewing as a little girl. Her talented hands also knitted, embroidered, cross-

stitched and decorated the most intricate pysanky.

Val was an amazing mom, sister, sister-in-law, auntie, great auntie, cousin and friend. She passed away on April 15, 2026.

Val is lovingly remembered by her son Elmer Wachniak Jr., her brother Lawrence (Joyce) Vera, and their

children Paula (Jeff) and Scott (Amy), her sister Pansy (Dan) Taylor and their daughters Abra

(Dave) Hilton and their daughters Abra (Dave) Hilton and their daughters Ella and Grace,

Breanne and her son Kyan Braaten, and Dorie (Emeric) and their daughter Hazel Larochette.

She is also remembered by her cousins Paul Deneve, Greg, Daryl and Duane Vera and Tom

Kadachuk, her god-daughter Tania Hancher and her many wonderful friends.

At Val’s request there will be no service at this time.

Donations in Val’s memory can be made to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-558-0866

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: