Valerie Thrasher

Valerie Thrasher (nee Grahl) passed away peacefully on November 3, 2016 at the Pembroke Regional Hospital at the age of 55, after a long and hard fought battle with cancer. She was born in Pembroke on August 17, 1961, third of four children to proud parents the late Orval (2002) and Orma Grahl (nee Woodtke). She is survived by older sister Kathy Schroeder (Brian), older brother Jimmy and younger sister Sandy Robinson (Ward). She attended school in Pembroke at Laurentian Public School, P.S.P.S., and finally Champlain High School, where she met her future husband to be, Scott in 1978. Like most teenagers, she even worked at our local McDonald's during high school. She "loved" that lime green polyester uniform and paper hat. After graduation, she worked at Moncion's Foodliner and then as a bank teller at the Municipal Savings and Loan. On July 30, 1988 she married her high school sweetheart, Scott Thrasher, after waiting many long years for him to finish dental school. She then changed jobs to work at Wilson's IDA pharmacy, right around the corner from where we had rented an apartment from her parents. In 1992, she had daughter Brittany, which prompted a move to a new home nearby on Wilson Road. Son Eric arrived in 1994. She remained home to raise her children, which gave her immense pride and joy. She often would be visited by her dad for morning tea, sometimes quite unexpectedly, which she often reminisced about later. She then moved to the Kinburn and Carp area in 1997, to follow her husband who had purchased a dental practice there. After both children had started school, she found that she missed working and needed to keep busy, so she went back to work part-time. Valerie once again found work at a nearby pharmacy in Arnprior, and worked there for a few years. In 2005 she moved back to Pembroke, again to follow her husband and his work. However, Pembroke was always home and she was very happy to return. Soon after getting settled, she found work at Mulvihill's East End pharmacy which she enjoyed tremendously. Unfortunately, she would be diagnosed with cancer soon after returning to Pembroke. Even after surgeries, many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, she still remained positive and tried not to let her illness impact on others. She loved her home, her gardening, her glider rocking chair, and especially children. She drew strength from her family, many friends, neighbours, and co-workers along the way. I could not have asked for a more loving wife and caring mother of our children. She was just a wonderful person, a joy to be around, and put others before herself. Gone much too early, she will be dearly missed. We wish to thank the many physicians, specialists, pharmacists, nurses, technicians and CCAC workers who have given Valerie care over these many years. Arrangements in the care of the Malcolm, Deavitt and Binhammer Funeral Home. Respecting Valerie's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private gathering of family and friends will take place at a later date. In lieu of any flowers sent, as an expression of sympathy, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Pembroke Regional Hospital would be appreciated. Online donations and condolences may be made at www.mdbfuneralhome.com