Valerie Heather Piper (2 Apr 1936 - 4 Jan 2017)

In loving memory of Valerie Heather Piper who sadly passed away on 4th January 2017

Born in Charmouth, Dorset on 2nd April 1936 Val remained deeply proud of her roots throughout her life. One of three daughters to Frank and Ethel Turner. Older sister Rita died in 2006 and younger sister Pauline survives her and now lives in Cornwall.

Val was educated at Woodroffe School Lyme Regis, before leaving home to work in the Civil Service in London in 1953. She often spoke of her happy days as a teenager in the big city. It was at work in London that she met the love of her life, David Piper and they got married in 1959. They settled into Leyton Avenue, Gillingham straight after the wedding and remained in the same home for the rest of their lives. In time the family grew with Jenny's arrival in 1960 and then sister Lyn in 1963.

After a period at home bringing up her daughters Val returned to work locally, working in a delicatessen, before rejoining the Civil Service, initially in the Pay Office in the Dockyard, then at the Job Centres in Chatham and Maidstone.

Throughout her life she retained a love of tennis and badminton, both as a spectator and player. Wimbledon fortnight in particular would see her avidly glued to the TV. She retired with her husband and enjoyed travelling, walking and then spending time with her family, including grandchildren Eddy and Lizzie. David her husband sadly passed away in 2004 and was sorely missed by Val.

Val will be remembered, loved and missed by all.

Family flowers only. Donations online or by cheque to Dementia UK to support work of Admiral Nurses in the ME7 area of Medway

Her funeral will be held at Medway Crematorium, Blue Bell Hill Chatham Kent ME5 9QU on Monday 30th January 2017, then afterwards at Tylers Function Room, The Harrow Inn, Lidsing, Gillingham ME7 3NL.