Valerie Vandale (née Benson)
1948 ~ 2025

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Valerie Jean Vandale (née Benson) on Sept 18, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Valerie was born July 19, 1948, to Ed and Doris Bensen in Prince Albert. She grew up on the farm just outside of Canwood, SK, and attended school in Canwood. In 1966 she moved to Prince Albert and started business college. It was during this time, she met the love of her life Raymond Vandale, and they were married On June 7, 1969. Ray and Val made Prince Albert their home and raised two children, Darcy and Tarra. Mom was a devoted stay at home mom for 14 years, and when the kids started school at Princess Margaret, she became involved with the Home and School association. She was very busy volunteering for the many different events the school put on. Val was also an active volunteer for the East End Community Club for many years.

Mom had many jobs throughout the years. CIBC Bank, bookkeeper for Dad’s business, school secretary, Reading Recovery Tutor, and Home Care Aide.  But what Mom did best, was take care of others. She was a caretaker through and through, always helping others in any way she could.

When us kids were young, mom always made sure she was at our sporting events, and school activities. And when the grandchildren were born, she did the same for them. Mama Val was always cooking the grandchildren’s favourite meals or treats. She loved taking them for walks, and to the playground. She never missed a school or sports event for them either.

When mom wasn’t busy looking after her Husband, children or grandchildren, she loved to go for walks, read, she enjoyed camping when we were younger. She loved her volunteer work, spending time with friends, and card nights. One of her favourite outings was going to “do’s” at the east end rink. Mom loved dancing and music. There weren’t many dances that she missed! When we would go visit her in Mont St Josephs, she was always tapping her toes listening to music.

Mom had a great group of friends, some of them have been friends since childhood. Mom, and our family are eternally grateful for the amazing people she had in her life. I am especially grateful to the Sexy Six who took such good care of mom after dad died, up until her passing.

A very special thank you to all the wonderful staff at Mont St. Joseph. Mom was very happy living there, and it is all thanks to the care and dedication you showed her. And a huge show of gratitude for how amazing you were to us in her final days. We cannot thank you enough!

Valerie is survived by her children, Darcy (Kim) Vandale and their children, Landyn, Tanner and Aiden. Tarra (Dustin) Vandale and their children, Kyla and Layne; sister, Marlene Anderson; aunts, Esther Benson and Cecile Wyatt; uncle, Eddie Dunas; sister-in-law, Darlene McKay; brother-in-law, Norm McKay; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and friends.

Valerie was predeceased by her husband, Raymond; her parents, Ed and Doris Benson; parents-in-law, Alexander and Irene Vandale; brothers-in-law, Howard Anderson, Leonard (Humphrey) Vandale and Kenny Vandale; sister-in-law, Anita Torbert; numerous aunts, uncles and loved ones.

The Visitation for Valerie will be held at 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at River Park Funeral Home, in Prince Albert, SK. The Celebration of Valerie’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the Ches Leach Lounge, in Prince Albert, SK, with Rev. Fr. DJ Vu officiating. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Mont St. Joseph Home or the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. Online condolences may be left at https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/riverpark/obituaries/valerie-vandale/148121.html . Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of River Park Funeral Home, (306) 764-2727, Colette Harnett, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2025-09-18
• Location : Prince Albert, SK