Lydia Valero

Sijtje 'Lydia' Valero (nee Boeser), beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, died peacefully on July 9th, 2021, at Kiwanis Care Centre in New Westminster, BC, at the age of 95 years, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Lydia was born on June 12, 1926 to Willem and Jacoba Boeser in Velsen, Netherlands. By May 1940, Nazis invaded the Netherlands, and Lydia spent most of her teenage years under Occupation, where she joined the Dutch Resistance, making sacrifices in her own life, helping her family and those in need to survive injustice.

Facing so much adversity during her teenage years in Haarlem, she became the strong, confident, brave and resilient woman who, in 1947 met, and married the late Alfredo Valero of Ecuador, as he served on the m/s/ Pygmalion of the Royal Dutch Steamboat Company.

After WWII, Lydia and Alfredo immigrated to Canada and settled in Vancouver, BC, raising seven children; Jack, Linda, Anita, Fred, Marilyn, Sherry, and Robert.

Lydia worked part-time in the Fabric Departments of The Bay and later at Eaton's Department Store in Vancouver.

Introduced to sewing at a young age by her Aunt, she was an extremely accomplished seamstress, always keeping up with the latest fashions and classic designs, winning many awards at the PNE for fashion, photography, cooking/baking, and other arts & crafts.

Lydia was a talented singer, and in her senior years, she sang with the Poirier Seniors Choir.

Always enthusiastic for gatherings, Lydia loved to entertain her Family; Whether it was a picnic-and-sunsets at the beach or her annual Christmas parties, Lydia will be forever remembered for her laughter, beautiful smile, and creating many cherished memories with friends and the family she leaves behind to continue her Legacy.

Lydia was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her son Armand, her sisters, Jacoba and Alida, her brother Wouter, her grandson Christopher and her great grandson Oliver, daughter in-laws, Lorie and Bridget and son in-law Howard.

She leaves fond memories for her 7 children, 12 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, sisters Nellie, Wil, brother Wim, and many other special relatives and friends. She will be greatly missed.