VALERIE J. SMELTZER – OPPER October 12, 1955 – December 29, 2022 Valerie was born October 12, 1955 in Mindemoya, Ontario and passed away December 29, 2022 in Edmonton, Alberta. Valerie left us peacefully at the Sturgeon Community Hospital in her 67th year. Valerie is survived by her stepchildren Daniel (partner Shelly), Darrell and Dalphine (James) MacGregor; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers Lonnie Smeltzer of Sarnia and Chester Smeltzer of Tehkummah, Manitoulin Island; Uncle Wayne and Aunt Pauline Martin of Tehkummah; and numerous cousins and their families. Predeceased by her husband Mervin Robert Opper; parents Melvin and Girda (nee Martin) Smeltzer; brother Robert Smeltzer; sister Rhea Smeltzer; and sister-in-law Eileen Smeltzer. Valerie loved cooking, reading and gardening and had a stellar career in the hospitality industry in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta. She returned home in the summers to Tehkummah where afternoons with family were always fun. Valerie enjoyed keeping up on current events, doing puzzles and learning new things every day. Cremation has taken place and a private graveside service was held on February 15, 2023 at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Edmonton, Alberta and at the family home with close family and friends. A special thank you to the Nursing Care Team at the Sturgeon Community Hospital for their caring and compassion. In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made to the Sturgeon Community Hospital, 201 Boudreau Rd, St. Albert, AB T8N 6C4.
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