Valerie Josephine Stark

Surrounded by love, Valerie Josephine Stark passed away on December 18, 2025, with her children at her bedside.

Valerie was born on November 15, 1931, to Michael and Michalina Swiderski. She grew up and attended school in Ethelbert, Manitoba, and later, graduated from St. Mary's Academy in Winnipeg. Valerie received her teaching certification from Normal School and, while teaching in Dauphin, Manitoba, met her husband, Richard (Dick) Stark.

Valerie and Dick were married on November 13, 1954, and raised their family of seven children in Dauphin. Valerie's family was always the centre of her life. Sundays were reserved for dinners with family and extended family, whether in Dauphin, Ethelbert, or Winnipegosis.

While managing a houseful of children, Valerie still found time for her love of gardening, canning, cooking, camping, and travelling.

Above all, Valerie was deeply devoted to her faith. She was actively involved with the Catholic Women's League and served as the choir conductor/director at St. Viator's Roman Catholic Church for many years.

After Richard's passing, Valerie eventually moved to Winnipeg. The wonderful staff and friends at Sturgeon Creek 2, where Valerie resided, enriched her life in Winnipeg with countless days of kindness and laughter. To stay connected with her children, she faithfully participated in weekly Zoom calls, which became a cherished routine. Valerie's legacy is the importance of family — a value she instilled deeply in her children.

Valerie was predeceased by her husband, Richard; her parents, Michael and Michalina Swiderski, and her brothers, Zygmund, Edward, and Stanley.

Valerie is lovingly remembered by her children: Lorne Stark, Janice Schwartz, Maureen (Barry) Mandryk, Douglas (Derry-Lea) Stark, Gordon Stark, Caroline Stark (Mike Jacobson), Greg (Amanda) Stark, and her grandchildren: Jason, Linden, Sarah, Jenna, Heather, Erika, Trevor, Jake, Bennett, Levi, Jessica, Charley, and her great-grandchildren: Logan, Parker, Sawyer, Sophie, Mya, Ella, Holden, Thomas, and Salix.

She is also survived by her brother Louis, sister-in-law Iris, and many nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Home Care and Palliative Care for their care and support while Valerie was navigating her illness at home, and also to the incredibly attentive and unfailingly compassionate staff at Riverview Health Centre who ensured that Mom’s every need was addressed and her final days were comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Valerie’s honour may be made to:

Riverview Health Foundation 

1 Morley Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba

R3L 2P4