Obituary of Valerie Elizabeth Prest

Valerie Elizabeth Prest (Kennedy), 94, of Mooseland, passed away peacefully at Harbourview Lodge in Sheet Harbour on April 11, 2025. She was born in Pleasant Harbour on the Eastern Shore, on February 6, 1931. As the eldest daughter in the family of eleven children of the late Harry and Anne (van Buskirk) Kennedy, she learned the responsibilities of helping raise younger siblings through hard times during the Great Depression. Her compassion for children, for caring and teaching, was nurtured in these early years, along with a determination to face adversity and succeed in her life goals. As a teenager, she was able to attend Queen Elizabeth High School in Halifax and attain her Grade Twelve diploma. At the age of seventeen, she accepted the position of schoolteacher in Mooseland, where the older students were her own age. That first job in Mooseland paved the way for her marriage to Sterling on July 16th, 1955. Deciding that the teaching profession was her future, she then attended the Normal College in Truro. While raising a family, her career saw her teach in Middle Musquodoboit, Woodside, Tangier, Mooseland, and Upper Musquodoboit, from where she retired in 1986. Valerie was an active member of the Mooseland community, involved in most local organizations. Church life and her faith were important to her. She was a key member of Saint Thomas Anglican Church, the local Anglican Church Women, Sunday School, and the Parish of Tangier. Upon retirement, she continued her community involvement, and enjoyed travelling, especially in the winter. Bowling and golf were favorite pastimes. Valerie is survived by her husband of 69 years, Sterling; her sons Wade (Julie) and Barry (Delfina); her eleven grandchildren Laura, Carolyn, Dale, Jeanette, Boyd, Leanne, Jody, Jesse, Jacob, Nick, and Deidre; twelve great grandchildren; and her youngest brother Victor (Barb). She was predeceased by her daughter, Judy; her brothers Dale, Wilbur, Parker, John, Duncan, and Glen; sisters Phylis, Faye, and Gwen; and half siblings Carson, Robert, and Helen. Visitation will be held at D S Crowell Funeral Home in Sheet Harbour on Wednesday, April 16th at 2-4 pm and at 7-9 pm, with prayers at 7:30 pm. The funeral service will be at St Thomas Church in Mooseland at 2 pm on Thursday, April 17th. The family wishes to acknowledge the staff of Harbourview Lodge who have provided exceptional care for our mother over the past fifteen months. Donations in Valerie’s honour can be made to any childrens’ aid fund.