Obituary of Valiere Annie Zan

December 25, 1931 - Calgary, Alberta

September 21, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Valiere Annie Zan (nee Long), of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at the age of 90 years.

Val was born in Calgary, AB, to Reginald and Eva Long on December 25, 1931, the youngest of 4 sisters. She was raised in Calgary in the Sunnyside area where her father ran the local bakery - R.W Long UNEEDA Bakery – whose sign can still be seen on their 10 St NW building. She had many stories of growing up as Calgary grew, attending the Calgary Stampede every year, traveling to Bowness before it was part of the city, and biking to Banff with her sisters and friends. She met Ed in 1964 when they both worked in the same building. They were married June 5, 1966 and settled down in Charleswood where they raised their three boys. Val worked in the medical field, taught fitness classes for the City of Calgary and as a bookkeeper. Her favourite job was as a mom, and she was fiercely proud and protective of David, Peter, and Mark through their whole lives. She spent countless hours teaching them life skills such as how to ride a bike, prepare meals, play cards, and split firewood. Val loved to bake and make great meals for her family.

In 1990, Val and Ed moved out to their acreage near Caroline where they spent a few years building their dream home. They loved acreage living and made a strong circle of friends that loved helping each other, playing cards, hosting dinner parties, and sharing stories. Val was always out helping Ed with projects around the acreage. They sold the acreage in 2005 and headed back to Calgary to be closer to family.

Val will be remembered for her strong opinions, volunteerism, love of reading, her knitting machine, and a good cup of tea, but most of all for her love of family and especially her grandsons. She and Papa gave them priceless memories of treasure hunts, family games, pie crust cookies and hours “working” in the yard. She will be greatly missed by those who loved her.

Val will be lovingly remembered by her two sons and daughter-in-law, David Zan and Mark Zan (Monique Thompson); three grandsons, Owen, Elliot and Christian; numerous extended relatives and friends. Val was predeceased by her husband Ed; son Peter; parents, Reginald and Eva; sisters, Stella, Margaret and Betty.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you share a few memories about Val and her family with your friends and family. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Valiere Zan, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.