Valda Mitchell Bowe McGuire, age 87, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, at Lakeside Homes in Gander, NL, after many years of living with dementia.

Born in Corner Brook, NL, she was deeply proud of her Mitchell family roots. She was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Donald (Bowie), parents, Helen and Cortland Mitchell, and her sister Olga.

She leaves behind a lifetime of loving memories for her daughters, Sandee and Mickie; her grandsons, Luke and Jay; her sister Patricia Siller (Ted) and their sons Paul, Teddy, and Peter; the Djoboulian family-Greg, Mitchell, Valda, Brendan, Adam, and Olivia; as well as the many cherished members of the extended Bowe family.

In the last 18 years of her life, Valda found love again with Joseph McGuire and embraced his large and ever-growing family with an open heart.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the caring staff at Lakeside Homes and to the many kind visitors who brightened her days. A special thank you to the Catholic Women’s League, whose visits brought her great comfort, joy, and a deep sense of belonging.

Valda carried a sparkling, charismatic energy that made people feel truly seen, valued, and welcomed. She was a natural storyteller, often sharing treasured memories of growing up in Corner Brook with her cousins. Her joy thrived in simple, beautiful moments…time in nature, skating, skiing, dancing, gardening, and especially summers in St. Chad’s, where laughter and lobster always abounded.

She began her career as a teacher before dedicating many years to the aviation field, working with EPA and Canadian Airlines. During this time, and throughout her life, she cultivated countless lifelong friendships…some born in the skies of aviation, others from her wide-reaching community. These friendships became the cornerstone of her life, spanning decades and connecting her through every step of her journey.

To honor her memory, we invite everyone to play the song “Sh-Boom” by The Chords and let’s send Valda off with a dance in our hearts, just as she danced through life…full of joy, love, and light. “Life will be a dream, sweetheart”

A Celebration of Life will be held at Stacey’s Funeral Home on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 1:00-3:30 p.m., with interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery. A tree planting ceremony will take place at Cobb’s Pond at a later date.

To sign the online guest book, please visit www.staceysfuneralhome.ca