Valerie (Sanger) Monkhouse

It is with deep sadness, we announce the passing of Valerie (Sanger) Monkhouse, aged 91 years from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Born in Tring Hertfordshire, England, she passed away from natural causes March 25, 2022, at the North York General Hospital surrounded by her family. Valerie was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Andrew Duncan (Ben) Monkhouse (2016), and granddaughters Michelle (2012), Elizabeth and Kathleen (1986). The daughter of Frederick James Sanger and Kathleen May Thorn, Valerie was the older sibling to David (Mary Jo) and Diana (Ken). She was the mother of Peter (Lyne) and Duncan (Shirley), and beloved Gran to Devon (Alexandra), Andrew (Alexandra), Joe (Florencia), Michelle, Joaquin, Maria, and John.

Valerie’s early life was highlighted by travels to and from England, residing in Shanghai, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. After the Second World War, her family emigrated to Fredericton, New Brunswick where Valerie attended the University of New Brunswick, receiving a Batchelor of Arts degree in 1951, and met her future husband, Ben. Ben’s work took them to Toronto where the family expanded with the two boys. A job change for Ben took the family to Ottawa in the early 1960’s where Valerie started her librarian career, first at the Collegiate Institute Board then Health and Welfare Canada. Valerie advanced within Health and Welfare Canada’s libraries and then moved to be the Director of the National Museums of Canada’s Libraries. She finished her career as the Head Librarian at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

During her life and especially in retirement, Valerie kept busy with gardening, genealogy, traveling and as a prolific knitter of fine garments of all kinds. Valerie and Ben truly enjoyed their time spent over the winter in Florida and their summers at their Dunrobin home on the Ottawa river. She will be dearly missed by all her family, many friends and staff at Del Manor Northtown.

There will be a Celebration of her Life from 10:30am to 12:30pm on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Diabetes Canada (www.diabetes.ca) or the Salvation Army (donate.salvationarmy.ca).