We Remember
MIYAKAWA, Valerie Ann
—
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Valerie Miyakawa on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at Hospice House Kelowna.
Valerie was predeceased by her parents Frank and Sarah, her brother Trevor, and her first husband Dr. Takehiko Kamaya. She is survived by her loving husband Rev. Yasuhiro Miyakawa; her brother, Derek; stepson, Muga; and several nieces and nephews, Colin, Erin, Andrew and Matthew; also canine companion, Taiga.
Valerie was born in Ballymena, Northern Ireland and immigrated to London, Ontario with her family as a teenager. She trained as a hematologist and worked at Westminster Veteran’s Hospital, where she met her first husband, Takehiko. They moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, and it was there that Valerie resumed her education, which had been interrupted by family circumstances. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology and was then awarded a scholarship to pursue graduate studies, She went on to obtain her Master’s degree and ultimately her PhD in Psychology. This led to a career at the University of Manitoba and the Child Development Clinic at Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre where she specialized in assessment and child counselling.
After the loss of her husband, Valerie met and then married Rev. Yasuhiro Miyakawa. She retired and moved to Kelowna, BC, where her lifelong passion for piano and her involvement with the Buddhist Temple and its community became the focus of her boundless energy, her love, and her quest for knowledge. She completed her ARCT in piano, achieving the highest standing in BC, and she became a valued member of the Buddhist Temple community.
Valerie has touched many lives with her love, grace, and concern for others, and she will be greatly missed by those fortunate to have known her.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Rachel Carver for her care kindness, attentiveness, and support over many years, and particularly during this difficult time.
Charitable donations in Valerie’s memory may be made to the Kelowna Buddhist Temple.
A Funeral Service for Valerie will be held on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023, at 1:00 PM, at the KELOWNA BUDDHIST TEMPLE, 1089 Borden Avenue, Kelowna, BC.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023, at 1:00 PM
Location
KELOWNA BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Share with Others:
Kelowna Buddhist Temple Link: kbtemple.ca
Service Information
Service Details
The service for MIYAKAWA, Valerie Ann is scheduled for THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023, at 1:00 PM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
KELOWNA BUDDHIST TEMPLE
1089 Borden Ave Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
It was with great sorrow when we heard of the passing of Dr. Valerie Miyakawa. We were fortunate to meet and converse with Valerie many times on our visits to the Kelowna Buddhist Temple. Her kind and gentle ways will be greatly missed. Our condolences to Rev. Miyakawa and family.
In Gassho.
Namo Amida Butsu,
Lloyd Hokazono
My wife and I express our deep sadness on the loss of your loving wife, Valerie. Our thoughts are with you, Sensei. In gassho
We were greatly saddened to hear about the loss of Dr. Valeria Miyakawa. She was always smiling, kind and welcoming to us when Lloyd and I visited the Kelowna Buddhist Temple. Our deepest condolences to Rev. Miyakawa and family.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Valerie was a remarkable person whose warmth and kindness will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.
We are shocked to hear about your wife, Valarie passing. We remember her as a very soft spoken and kind person. Our deepest condolences to Rev Miyakawa and family
In Gussho Namo Amira Butsu
Richard and Rayko Takahara
Rev. Miyakawa and family – Our deepest condolences on the passing of Valerie.
In gassho, Jeanne and Larry
I will never forget how warmly you welcomed our family. Arigatougozaimasu. Gassho.
Miyakawa Sensei,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your lovely wife Valerie. May you find comfort and cherish all of the memories.
Sincerely,
Reiko O
Valerie possessed exceptional intelligence, kindness, and humour. She served the Kelowna Buddhist Temple selflessly and graciously. A person that shines so brightly in life leaves light and warmth even when they have gone. We are all fortunate to have known her and we extend our deepest condolences to Miyakawa Sensei in this time of profound loss.
Miyakawa Sensei and family.
My deepest condolences on the passing of Valerie. May you find comfort in the memories you have with her and treasure them always. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Dorothy Tanaka