Add a Memory
27 Entries
Heather Wood
March 2, 2022
I knew Valerie as the wonderful Principal at Bruce Jr. Public School. She was so active, energetic, energetic, and kind. She also took the most wonderful pictures at many school events. One day she handed me a beautiful card that she made with the photos of my children and I, it was hand written and I still have it to this day. It was such a happy moment and she captured it. I am so sorry to hear of her passing... I think of her often. Blessings to her family. She is dearly missed by all those who knew her.
Arden J. Berg
March 7, 2021
We are friends of Alice in Calgary at her church. Our condolences to Alice, Michael and all the family and wish for peace and comfort.
Sharon Kirkby
March 5, 2021
Valerie was the kindest, most generous , morale booster principal I have had the pleasure to work with. She went to great lengths to provide great experiences for the students at Bruce school (ie: George Brown College providing Thanksgiving dinners and Chinese New Year celebrations. I have spoken to a lot of past students from Bruce and they all mentioned stories and how sad they were when they learned of her passing.
Jo-Cy Lee
March 1, 2021
I first met Valerie in late 1980s when she was with the Mon Sheong Darcy Home. Only until recent years we came to know each other more. Her Devotion and Dedication to the Communities is truly an amazing inspiration! And being the trailblazer against all odds, she set a very High Standards for all of us to follow. I am so blessed to have known her as the Icon in our Community and most of all, a very caring friend! Her infectious SMILE will always in my mind ..... May her legacy live on!!
Alexander Brown, Chair/Trustee, TDSB
February 28, 2021
You did a very good Valerie - everywhere!
You provided all of us with the best model for life - engaging others by caring and being absolutely sincere. Because of that, you are here with us today and everyday.
Thank You for being such an awesome person!!

Mon Sheong Foundation
February 23, 2021
Valerie Mah’s involvement with Mon Sheong Foundation had humble roots. When a committee was established to build D’Arcy Home, Valerie and her husband, Daniel, were out and about fundraising for the project, helping to raise money to purchase the land where Mon Sheong Home for the Aged now stands. Valerie’s involvement with Mon Sheong didn’t end there; she continued to serve as the Treasurer from 1975 until 1992, and remained an Honourary Governor until her passing. From Mon Sheong’s inception to the present day, Valerie has been with the organization every step of the way. We are deeply saddened to learn of her passing. Her contribution to Mon Sheong will always be remembered in the organization’s history.
Jane Lewis
February 22, 2021
My deepest condolences to dear Valeries family .
I knew Valerie from the time we were in kindergarten,through Elementary & BCI & she was a wonderful gal ,friendly,caring & fun . last time we had a visit was at our BCI reunion & with Pat Marshall we had a great catch up .
I always remember her lovely singing voice in Bill Tuffords choir & concerts .Jean Macintosh & I had terrible singing voices & we always made sure we stood beside Valerie who tried to keep us in tune !
I will always remeber her grace & sweet demeanour .❤❤
February 19, 2021
We were neighbours with The Mah family for many years. My dad truly loved walking Ian's dog. The last time I saw Valerie was at an RTO workshop (for teachers retiring in the next 5 years). Valerie was her pleasant self and remembered my family.
My sincerest condolences for your beloved mother Ian.
May her memory be eternal.
Dina Christakis
Dr. Linda Tse, Optometrist
February 18, 2021
Valerie was a tireless advocate for the East Chinatown community. I will miss the emails she would send me at 2 am informing me of community events and I will miss her friendship and wisdom. I am honored that Valerie was my patient for the past 30 years since 1990. Always energetic and cheerful with a positive outlook, she leaves behind a great legacy. Rest in peace, my dear friend.
Shaun Chen, Member of Parliament, Scarborough North
February 17, 2021
Valerie Mah was a respected leader and community champion, someone who worked for the betterment of our children, youth, parents and families. An incredible trailblazer, she gave back tirelessly to the community even after her retirement from public education. Valerie will never be forgotten, especially by those whose lives she touched. She will be dearly missed.
Craig McCann
February 17, 2021
Val was a great friend and special lady. I never saw her without a smile on her face..Always buzzing with energy, quick witted and always there to help in any way she could. My original memories go back to the early 70's visiting her house on Claxton Blvd. An educator to the end, always engaged working on a something, a community project or something for the betterment of her school(s), students or friends. A generous sole who always put the interests of others before her own. I enjoyed or travels to Scotland in 2015 to take part in the wedding of my cousin Mark McGuiney. A trip well documented thanks to Val who never had her camera out of her hands. My condolences to Ian and Family RIP my friend you will be missed, Craig , Jane and Jessie McCann xo
Linda Chan
February 17, 2021
Was saddened to read about Valerie. In the 60's while pregnant with Ian she was my intermediate choir director at Toronto Chinese Presbyterian Church. Her late husband Daniel was the brother of Ruth, Margaret and Alex all leaders in our church.
She was active with The Jean Lumb Foundation so we would meet at their annual fundraiser event.
My last visit with Valerie was in November, 2019 at the high tea organized for donors where I sat across from Harold Brathwaite as she busily took photos of the occasion. Now sadly they are both no longer with us but remembered for their contributions.
Valerie will be so deeply missed!

John & Mary Lou Richards
February 16, 2021
A photo of Valerie from last Lunar New Year.
John & Mary Lou Richards
February 16, 2021
A few links about Valerie.
http://tpsnews.ca/blogs/2021/02/recognizing-life-community-champion/
https://digital.lib.sfu.ca/china-dolls-732/bachelor-societys-valerie-mah
https://asiancanadianwiki.org/w/Valerie_Mah
TORONTO Neighbourhoods 1984 “Chinatown with Valerie Mah” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz1Mzv-TKnY
http://www.mhso.ca/chinesecanadianwomen/en/database.php?c=1639

John & Mary Lou Richards
February 16, 2021
Notes from 55 Division: http://tpsnews.ca/blogs/2021/02/recognizing-life-community-champion/
Valerie Mah had boundless energy for community projects including: Zhong Hua Men Arch, Public Art Murals, Canada Day at Riverdale Park & Lunar New Year celebrations & many more. One was Mural Painting with local students a 2 min video may be seen here: bit.ly/ProjectPicasso
We both miss Valerie very much.
Hazel Ogilvie
February 16, 2021
It was my privilege to meet and work with Valerie Mah at King Edward Public School. She was friendly , energetic and involved. Although I have not seen Valerie in person for many years , I frequently saw her picture in the various magazines of the Retired Teachers of Ontario.
( RTO) . So I never forgot her face.
My condolences to her son Ian and her siblings and their families.
Rest in Peace Valerie.
Greg Carver
February 15, 2021
My sincere condolences to the family. Whether volunteering on a committee or out in the communities, Valerie was a dedicated and passionate Torontonian. She will be greatly missed.
Joyce MacDonald
February 15, 2021
You will be greatly missed Valerie, but never forgotten. R.I.P
My condolences to Val's family.
Joyce MacDonald
Olivera Bone
February 14, 2021
Our "Retired Teachers of Obtario " functions were blessed to have the smilling, energetic and comforting Valerue Mah present. All was well when Valerie was there.
My condolences to Valerie's son Ian and to her extended family.
Nancy Ring
February 13, 2021
Valerie was my Vice Principal at Withrow P.S. years ago. She was such a lovely person. My condolences to the family. She will be missed.
Jeannie Tom
February 13, 2021
My sincere condolences to Ian and the Lor Family. Valerie was a delightful friend; so full of vitality, enthusiasm and cultural joys. A vibrant community activist, volunteer, educator and chorister. Valerie had touched many lives and will be dearly missed. A wonderful soul taken way too young!
Mark Wise
February 13, 2021
I had the pleasure of serving on the board of Canadian Feed The Children with Valerie for several years. This included a memorable trip to Bolivia. She had endless energy to help others and it was a privilege and joy to have known her. I am sorry for your loss.
RICHARD ALEXANDER
February 13, 2021
Valerie, was a kind and thoughtful woman. She was a wonderful colleague at King Edward PS.
February 13, 2021
My deepest sympathy to Ian and the Lor family. Valerie was loved by all knew her. I will miss my dear friend.
Louis Manning
February 13, 2021
Valerie you were the north star of District 16 Toronto Retired Teachers of Ontario! Your service to community is beyond measure in east end Toronto! You were a beloved trail blazer who left an enduring legacy across the years! Yours was a life well lived! Thanks! Beannacht leat!
Louis Manning
February 13, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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