Valerie Anne (Hobson) Reilly

Our beloved Valerie passed away on July 22 at the age of 68. She was a strong, vibrant, and deeply loving woman who filled every space with music, laughter, and life. Known for her gleeful sense of humor and unforgettable laugh, Val made a lasting impression wherever she went.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, she is the middle child of Shirley and Gordon Hobson Sr. She was predeceased by her sister Pam Hobson, her mother and father, and her daughter Marie Reilly. Val is survived by her husband Craig; her children Madigan Reilly, Nicholas Reilly (Freya), and Katherine Reilly (David); and her brother Gordon Hobson Jr.

Val shared fond memories of building a family cabin with her parents and siblings in the 1970s at Clytie Bay, Ontario. She loved the water, canoeing, and especially cherished time spent in the screened-in veranda during summer storms. It remained her favourite place throughout her life, and she took her children there nearly every summer.

Val was an intelligent and determined woman. She earned a diploma in Biological Technology in 1979 from Red River Community College. Her career began in Winnipeg as a Serologist at the Health Sciences Center before moving to Calgary in 1981 to be with her beloved new husband. There, she worked as a Chemical Technologist and later as an Anesthesia Technician at the Foothills Hospital research lab.

In 1997, after dedicating several years raising her children, the family moved to Cochrane, where Val lived for the rest of her life. She worked over 15 years at Canada Post where she loved brightening the days of her customers.

One of Val’s greatest passions was musical theatre. She loved singing from an early age and went on to perform in over twenty productions, including The Sound of Music, The Mikado, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Angry Housewives, and H.M.S. Pinafore. Her performances brought her much joy and were a cherished part of her identity: a way to recharge and reconnect with herself outside of the busyness of motherhood. In 2004, she won the CAT Award for Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Musical for her role as Katisha in The Mikado and was nominated again in 2006 and 2009 for her roles in H.M.S. Pinafore and Patience. Val also served on the board of the Gilbert and Sullivan Theater Society and was a founding member of the Cappuccino Singers Association. Val also sang in the Calgary Opera and the Debut Opera. As her stage career slowed, Val continued to sing with The Harmony Trio, performing at senior centers until the group disbanded in 2016.

Val was married to her husband Craig for 43 years. In her final years, he became her full-time caregiver. He never hesitated to make changes to their home so she could remain comfortable and independent. Despite the obstacles she faced, Val loved cooking daily family meals right up until the end, always wanting to nurture and support those she loved. Wholeheartedly, Val poured as much love as she could into the lives of their four children. She loved going on adventures with them, making crafts, and finding ways to be creative together. She often volunteered at her youngest's school and joined class field trips. Her children were at the center of her heart, and she was very proud of the adults they have become.

In 2010, Val was baptized and became an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church became a place of comfort and connection for Val. Some of her closest and most enduring friendships grew there. As her time on Earth drew to a close, Val found solace through the presence of the Holy Ghost, faith in resurrection, the restoration and in eternal life and covenants.

Val’s family thank the staff at the Foothills Hospital, especially those on Cardiology Unit 81 - Eren/Patricia, Michelle, Samy, and Dr. Elena Qirjazi - as well as Dr. Jennifer MacRae, Dr. Paul Petrasek, and Dr. Una Barry, who cared for Val for over a decade. Deep thanks also go to the friends and loved ones who visited and supported her during her times in the hospital.

Instead of flowers, donations can be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada, MusicBox Children’s Charity, or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM on August 30, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cochrane (1100 Glen Eagles Dr, Cochrane, AB). A light luncheon will be served. We invite all to attend and tell stories, poems, limericks, memories, jokes, play a musical instrument, perform a skit, sing a song, bring pictures, show a video, etc. Send Val off with happiness and joy for having her in your life. She will be missed. 

For those unable to attend the celebration of life in person, feel welcome to join us via zoom https://zoom.us/j/92692781057https://zoom.us/j/92692781057.

Inurnment has taken place in the Cochrane Cemetery.

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