Obituary of Valerie Bertha Wonderham

Valerie Wonderham Obituary

We wish to announce the passing of Valerie Wonderham (nee Schmalz) at the Mihilewicz Assisted Living Care Home in Shellbrook, Saskatchewan on 20 November 2023.

Valerie was predeceased by her husband Henry Wonderham, her parents Harry and Louise Schmalz and her infant brother, Daryl Schmalz. 

She is survived: by her siblings Wayne Schmalz (Margaret George) of Shellbrook; Myron (Caroline) Schmalz of Prince Albert; Patricia Schmalz (Mark Fusick) of Shellbrook;

and by numerous nephews and nieces:

Eric (Lesley nee: Nystrom) Schmalz (Freya Louise, Erik),

Edward (Christina nee: Hark) Schmalz (Arlise, Leila, Maximus, Katrin,

Adam (Brianne nee: Lypchuik) Schmalz (Jayda, Axl),

Lisa (Issac Saba) (Sofia, Elias, Ivy),

Trinity Louise Fusick.

She is also survived by her special fur baby, Finn.

Valerie was born in Shellbrook in 1955 and went to school in Shellbrook before attending Robertson Secretarial College in Saskatoon.  She worked for Scotia Bank in various capacities and in various locations: Shellbrook, Saskatoon, Red Deer, Alberta and Pentiction, B.C.  Following her retirement from the bank she took training as an organic inspector and conducted organic inspections throughout British Columbia.

In 1990 she married Henry Wonderham and together with their special babies--Mover, then Casey and finally Finn--they enjoyed a full, productive life, travelling extensively to those special places where she could be “in nature” and “listen to the quiet.” 

Valerie was blessed with a beautiful voice.  At a very young age she appeared on “Tiny Talent” a television program produced by CKBI Prince Albert.  And through the years she performed with numerous choral groups in both Saskatchewan and British Columbia and was constantly in demand as a soloist for weddings, funerals, anniversaries and other special occasions.

In 2019, Valerie and Henry returned to Shellbrook from B.C.  After Henry’s passing in 2021 she concentrated her energy on reconnecting with nieces and nephews, attending hockey games, concerts and the various activities in which they were involved.  She also resumed old and steadfast friendships, revived her connection with the land south of Shellbrook where she grew up and rekindled her love for cattle.  If help was needed to move cows to another pasture or if an orphan calf needed to be bottle fed, she was there, any time, day or night.

She will be greatly missed by those whose lives she touched—both two and four-legged creatures alike.

The family would like to thank everyone who helped her, especially Helen Moesobo in Peachland, B.C., Jaynie Malloy in Pentiction, B.C. and Gloria and her staff at Mihilewicz Assisted Living Care Home in Shellbrook. 

Valerie was interned at the Brightholme Cemetery on 25 November 2023.  Memorial donations can be made to the Brightholme Cemetery Fund or to the SPCA.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lynn Anderson Funeral Director, Shellbrook, SK 306-747-2828.