'Val' was born into the Hull family on the 17 June 1943.
It was during the World War 2 and children were born in Convalescent Homes or 'safe zones'. This one was based in Gilsland, Brampton, Cumberland. She was the youngest of two girls and had a very close relationship with her elder sister, Shirley. Her mother's name was Sidella Hull (family name Allinson). Her father's name was Leslie James Hull, who was a Able Seaman for the Royal Navy and Painter and decorator by trade.
She spent her childhood living at 56 Blackwell Avenue, Walker, Newcastle Upon Tyne.
Her education began in Junior East Walker school for her infant and junior years; followed by The Modern School For Girls in Wellbeck road, Newcastle up until 1958. Val didn't stop there and kept her knowledge up to speed and in line with computer technology by actively enrolling on IT skills courses so that she could keep up with the latest modern technology.
Val had several cleaning positions during her career. It looks like she had a position at Kings in 1986, and most of us will know her most recent position was at Furtherwick park school where she worked from 1990 to July 2010. It appeared that Val had a little secret which came to the surface whilst sorting through her paperwork. In 1966 at the age of 23 she had put an application in for and was accepted for the position of 'Ward Maid' or commonly known as "A Nanny", but in the United States of America (USA)! Visas were approved but unsure what changed her mind.
Aunty Val met Joseph Thornton, from Dunston, in the Dolce Vita night club in Newcastle and they tied the knot in the Parish Church Of Walker on the 28th of October 1967.
Their first home together was purchased in 1969 at 2 Fowler Gardens in Dunston,T yne & Wear. In 1974 Val and Joe moved to Canvey Island, Essex buying their second home at 254 Link Road . A couple years later they moved to a house on Knightswick Road where family from SA visited. Val and Joe completed the purchase of their fourth and final home on the 21st November 1986 for £62,500! It was the beautiful bungalow most of us are familar with and this was where they both spent the remainder of their lives.
We know that Val was very maternal but had no children of her own. However, she and Joe chose to dedicate their time and love to fostering several children. Michael and Edward being their last two fostered children, where fostered on the 21st February 1974 and they brought them so much happiness throughout their lives. Sharing their families and love with their parents until the very end. They were extremely saddened by the loss of Joe through cancer back in February 2020 and now Val in such a short space of time. All our prayers are with them.
Val was remembered as a pet lover and was very fond of her dogs. Her most recent being Skye and Pippa who have been gracefully accepted by Gemma, Mikki and Eddie. Val would have been so happy that they have stayed together in the family. Her other dogs included Mia, Butch, Brandy, Monty and Snowy. However, many knew that she had a soft spot her Westie, Jamie.
She also had a few budgies and a cockatiel called Sparky, who used to whistle like a telephone and drive us all crazy. Not aunty Val - She loved it!
Aunty Val had an exceptional mind and could recall many long-term memories from her childhood or from other important dates in her life. She could remember the insignificant details which an average person would forget the next day.
Val made many friends through her work at the school and through her love of animals. A lady who really stood tall in it all was her friend Taylor Lawson, who stuck by her side throughout all her difficult times, especially during the period where Joe was ill and helping her through an extremely difficult period afterwards.
Edward also made several sacrifices since Joe passed, providing company to Val when she was battling with severe anxiety and loneliness. It has been a very tough road the past year during some major repairs at her bungalow on Canvey Island which meant she needed to relocate to Rayleigh with her great nephew, Steve's family whilst renovations were being completed after being in her home since 1986. The works were expected to be completed by the 3rd of December 2021, but this was not possible due to ongoing delays from the insurance company.
Steve and his family played a major part in both Val and Joe's life from around 2004 when Steve moved to the UK, providing friendship, advice, a listening ear, all sorts of support and company for Val and Joe.
Val had been living with Steve, Kerry, Skyla (6) and Amber (3) since the 11 August 2021, where her inner child was reborn in the comfort of their home.
Val was recently diagnosed with early stages of Alzheimer’s and plans were put in place for adult social care to begin forming a regular part of their household starting in January 2022. However, this was short-lived following her recent inpatient stay to Southend Hospital on the 19th of December 2021 after concerns about a cold sepsis in her right leg and an irregular heartbeat.
Steve was keeping the family informed about progress during his hourly visits, and fortunately Val's sister requested a call one of the evenings whilst Steve was there and had a chance to say goodbye.
Similarly, Steve's family got to say goodbye on a call home from Steve and aunty Val manged to say goodbye to her to special dogs Skye and Pippa.
Val passed away on Christmas Eve 2021 in the Balmoral ward. It was during a 1-hour slot (6pm) that was given to Steve for visiting. He was simply taking her Christmas gifts from his two young girls, Skyla and Amber. It became apparent soon after he arrived that Val was ready to be collected by Uncle Joe.
He first told her that all her family and friends loved her and were proud of her, and that his family were thankful for everything her and Joe had done for them. Steve then explained the honour to be trusted by them to look after their health and financial affairs too.
He then said the Lord's prayer and prayed for the angels and uncle Joe to come collect her as there was no need to suffer anymore.
A few minutes later her breathing slowed, and she left us all peacefully.
Funeral details:
Val will be laid to rest at Woodside Chapel, Manor Road, Benfleet, SS7 4PA at 12:30pm on Monday 31st January 2022.
Her Horse and Carriage will be leaving at noon from Stibbards & Sons, 4 Common Hall Lane, Hadleigh, Benfleet, SS7 2RN.
Family flowers only, donations to Battersea Dogs Home (collection box and charity account details available on day).
The funeral service will be live streamed on the below link:
https://boutiqueweddingfilms.uk/welcome-to-the-funeral-service-for-our-beloved-valerie-thornton/
Rest in Peace aunty Val. The memories we hold will be treasured forever x
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