Valerie "Val" Shaw-Lewis

Val Shaw-Lewis of Calgary, Alberta passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at the age of 89 years. After several weeks of declining health, Val died with her beloved family by her side.

Val was born in Swansea, South Wales, UK, to father William Small and mother Gwladys Rees; the youngest of six children, Val trained to become a nurse and worked in the Maternity Ward at Mount Pleasant Hospital, Swansea. 

She met her husband, Alan, at a New Year’s Eve dance in 1958 and they married the following July in 1959. Val and Alan’s desire to take care of their family led them, along with their daughters Caryn and Jayne, to a better life in Canada in March, 1967.

Val and Alan settled in the Willow Park area where they made their home for 45 years. They treasured their time there and the many friendships they made.

Val ran the Calgary Medical Society and then worked in several doctor’s offices. She founded the Calgary Neuropathy Association in March, 2001 and was the visionary who took an idea and made it a reality. Val continued to nurture the association for nine years until her retirement from the organization in 2010.

One of Val’s greatest achievements was her 63 year marriage to Alan. She used to say “if I were to offer marriage advice, I would say “Marry a good man with a sense of humour!””

Val is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Jayne (Duane) of Calgary; son-in-law, Ed Zimmerman of Edmonton; grandchildren, Ashley Zimmerman (Joel) of Calgary and Nikolaus Zimmerman (Laura) of Edmonton. She was predeceased by her husband, Alan, in 2022; and her eldest daughter, Caryn, in 2017. The grandchildren and ‘our dogs’ - Norman and Floyd - will miss their Nannie greatly.

A special thank you to the staff of Providence Care Centre for their dedication and support.  Val wasn’t there for long but made a huge impression on the staff.

At the request of the family no service will be held. 

If desired, memorial donations in Val’s memory may be made to the Calgary Neuropathy Association, PO Box 72068 RPO Glenmore Landing, Calgary, Alberta T2V 5H9 or by telephone at (403) 668-9777.