Mary Vallance

February 6, 1924 to August 11, 2010

Mary Vallance, OMM C.D. Officer of the Order of Military Merit, formerly of Atwood, passed away peacefully at Knollcrest Lodge, Milverton, on Wednesday August 11, 2010 at the age of 86. Mary was a member of Atwood Presbyterian Church where she served as elder and a former member of the Atwood Lioness Club. She was a retired Colonel in the Canadian Forces serving from 1954-1976. Mary implemented the Status of Women Commission Rulings which allowed Service Women to assume any military position. She was directly responsible for all women personnel. Mary holds the distinction of being the first female Colonel and served as Aide-De-Camp to the Governor General. Dear sister of Joan Treleaven of Pennsylvania, Jim and Rhea Vallance of Stratford and sister-in-law of Ann Vallance of Toronto and Ken Nethercott of Listowel. Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by her parents Lloyd and Annie (Lochead) Vallance, her brothers George and John (Jack), her sisters Aldous and her husband Jack Sargent, Helen (Honey) Nethercott , brother-in-law Bill Treleaven and nephew John Nethercott. Mary's family invites relatives and friends to share their memories at the Brenneman Funeral Home 141 John Street, Atwood (519-356-2382), on Friday August 13, 2010 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. The funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at the Atwood Presbyterian Church on Saturday August 14, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Cathrine Campbell officiating. Interment in Elma Centre Cemetery, Atwood. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to: Atwood Presbyterian Church c/o Deanne Metzloff PO Box 290 Atwood, ON N0G 1B0 would be appreciated by the family and can be arranged by calling the funeral home or returning to the Current Funerals page and clicking on the Make A Donation link. Please forward your cheque directly to the charity at the above address.