The widow of former Newmarket Mayor Joseph Vale is being remembered as an avid walker, cook and supporter of her husband.

Phyllis Vale died July 4 at Southlake Regional Health Centre. She was 95.

A lifelong Newmarket resident, Mrs. Vale is probably best remembered as the wife of Mr. Vale, who was a town councillor from 1935 to ’46 and mayor from 1947 to ’53.

The couple, married in 1938, lived at 404 Timothy St. in the heart of old Newmarket. Mrs. Vale’s son, John, said the couple walked everywhere including the town offices, which, at that time, were down the street.

The late Mr. Vale’s job kept him busy, Mr. Vale said, but added his mother’s job was no easy task.

“She was taking care of her eight children,” Mr. Vale said.

In 1968, the Vales moved to 408 Timothy St. Mrs. Vale called the latter address home up until the time of her death. Vales are still on the street, however, as one of Mrs. Vale’s daughters lives at 404 Timothy and another will soon move in at 408.

“It’s like everybody congregated there,” Mr. Vale said. “It was a focal point for our family.”

Mr. Vale died in 1973 at 65.

Afterward, Mrs. Vale took up golfing, Mr. Vale said, and continued to be an avid walker. She even got her driver’s licence, he added.

Not even winter could deter Mrs. Vale from walking and she could also be found cross-country skiing near the Lions Club. She never lost her independence or determination, Mr. Vale said.

“She had a heart attack three years ago and after that she had to walk with a walker,” Mr. Vale said. “A year ago, she had another heart attack while walking and she fell down. Afterward, she still got back to walking, although a lot of the time someone went with her.”

Aside from remaining active, Mrs. Vale also remained sharp mentally. She was a regular newspaper reader and clipped out articles she thought family members would find interesting.

She was an amazing cook, Mr. Vale said, and family would frequently drop by to taste her latest creation.

Mrs. Vale’s funeral was a celebration of her life, Mr. Vale said. It was held at St. John Chrysostom Church where Mrs. Vale had spent many Sundays.

One of those grandchildren, Joe Gorman, delivered his first funeral mass as an ordained minister for his grandmother July 7.

“It was quite the mass,” Mr. Vale said. “He was able to make it a celebration of a life well lived.”

Mrs. Vale leaves eight children, 32 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Including spouses, Mr. Vale estimates the Vale clan numbers 85.

Memorial donations to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Marygrove Camp, 240 Church St., Toronto M5B 1Z2 or Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences may be placed at www.roadhouseandrose.com