Vali, I remember her is a young vibrant woman, adventurous enjoying every moment life offered her.
I first met her when I was just 2½, we were all refugees together. She quickly became my backup mom and her son Ákos adopted me as my big brother (when John was born I gained another brother). She would get me out of trouble with my mom when I did dumb things. She was a lifelong friend who always was there when I called or visited as if we had just been together yesterday.
Vali was one of my parents best friends, and as a result, a very good friend of mine. I knew her and Akos when all of us first arrived in Vancouver, BC as refugees from Hungary. We all continued our friendship through thick and thin! Most recently I visited her when she was housebound and frail. I loved her very much and she and Akos will always be in my heart!
Throughout high school with John, Valerie was always welcoming to me and John's friends. I enjoyed many times at the cottage. I will never forget her kindness. R.I.P.