It is with deep sadness, we announce the passing of Valerie (Sanger) Monkhouse, aged 91 years from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Born in Tring Hertfordshire, England, she passed away from natural causes March 25, 2022, at the North York General Hospital surrounded by her family. Valerie was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Andrew Duncan (Ben) Monkhouse (2016), and granddaughters Michelle (2012), Elizabeth and Kathleen (1986). The daughter of Frederick James Sanger and Kathleen May Thorn, Valerie was the older sibling to David (Mary Jo) and Diana (Ken). She was the mother of Peter (Lyne) and Duncan (Shirley), and beloved Gran to Devon (Alexandra), Andrew (Alexandra), Joe (Florencia), Michelle, Joaquin, Maria, and John.
Valerie’s early life was highlighted by travels to and from England, residing in Shanghai, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. After the Second World War, her family emigrated to Fredericton, New Brunswick where Valerie attended the University of New Brunswick, receiving a Batchelor of Arts degree in 1951, and met her future husband, Ben. Ben’s work took them to Toronto where the family expanded with the two boys. A job change for Ben took the family to Ottawa in the early 1960’s where Valerie started her librarian career, first at the Collegiate Institute Board then Health and Welfare Canada. Valerie advanced within Health and Welfare Canada’s libraries and then moved to be the Director of the National Museums of Canada’s Libraries. She finished her career as the Head Librarian at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).
During her life and especially in retirement, Valerie kept busy with gardening, genealogy, traveling and as a prolific knitter of fine garments of all kinds. Valerie and Ben truly enjoyed their time spent over the winter in Florida and their summers at their Dunrobin home on the Ottawa river. She will be dearly missed by all her family, many friends and staff at Del Manor Northtown.
There will be a Celebration of her Life from 10:30am to 12:30pm on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Diabetes Canada or the Salvation Army.
Digital Guestbook
Allan & Barbara Walker
Barbara Bagnall
I am so sorry to hear about Valerie’s passing. I send you all lots of love and my thoughts are with you as you navigate this sad time.
Hugs Barb
Honey Jani and Jatin Patel
Lyne,
Very sorry to hear of your family's loss. Our deepest condolences to you Lyne. May she rest in peace.
Sylvia, Malcolm & Andrew
So sorry to learn your sad news. Valerie's passing brings such sorrow and our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lynda (Maxwell)and Kenny Nuzzolilli
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you, Peter and Duncan and extended family. Your mother held a special place in our mothers life story and she will be missed.
Angela & Bernie Michaud
Our sincere sympathies to the Duncan, Shirley and Family. Take strength from the memories of a life well lived. Rest In Peace Valerie.
Ken and Diana Maxwell
We're so sorry for your loss Peter and Duncan and we know your mom will be missed. Diana's relationship with Valerie was a very special one. She carries fond memories of their time together in boarding school, visits to Ben and Valerie's summer home on the Ottawa river and their more recent weekly telephone calls. She will miss her big sister but knows she is now at peace and happily reunited with those who passed before her.
Barbara Kaye
In 1976, Valerie Monkhouse was willing to take a chance on me, an uncertain newly-minted librarian, when she hired me at Health and Welfare Library. I'll always be grateful for that as it launched me on a 33-year career with the federal government. My sympathies to Duncan and Peter and the extended family as well as the many friends and colleagues who knew and respected her in the library, BIFHSGO and other communities.
William Bradley
Duncan and family, I was very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved mother. I hope your wonderful memories of her will comfort you at this sad time and in the years to come.
Our deepest condolences to you all we know that your Mum will be sadly missed. Love from Allan & Barbara