Val and I had been great friends for 30 years. She was type of person who always put others before herself often to her own detriment.She was a born counsellor, carer, encourager. She took no bs, called a spade a spade , there was never any pretense about her. She wore heaps of pink as she was a breast cancer survivor and counsellor for bosom buddies. She would tell me about some of the women she was helping and I would say to her isn't that depressing dealing with this all the time and she said no, its very uplifting for me. Only a special person could do that work. I saw her four weeks before she passed and she was still thinking of and praying for others. She was sleeping sitting up with her feet on the coffee table and told me a friend had offered her a recliner chair with bells and whistles and she said .They need it more than I do. Thankfully her arm was twisted and she borrowed the chair. Val loved her pets .Her beloved Solly golden retriever went to doggy heaven earlier in 2010 and Molly came into the house. She gave those cats a hard time. Thanks Val for all your listening and advice. Love you and you are sorely missed. So glad I had those 4 days with you over Christmas. Love Trisch Brodie

I'm very sad to hear that Val Lee has passed away. Val was my PA when I was at IDP in the early nineties. Her bright friendly nature and sense of organisation were a revelation to me. As I quickly found out, Val didn't like it if you were disorganised, and that gravelly voice would always let me know if my work didn't meet her high standards. We got on really well, and being new in my job, it was very reassuring to have someone as reliable as Val around. Val, I know you're up there organising the saints and angels, but in case you glance down here, I'll tidy my desk right now!

I worked with Val for a number of years and met her for the first time when she became the permanent replacement for my temporary position. She patiently listened while I painstakingly explained the job to her. What I didn't realise was that with her vast work experience she knew far more about the job than I ever did. Because we both lived on the same side of town I would often give Val a lift to and from work if she was having car problems. She was always excited about travelling with me because she vowed and declared that we never went the same way twice, which was accurate as I love varying the journey and she enjoyed the new scenery. Val was one of those people whom you never needed to say "Hello" to - you could simply continue any conversation where you left off the previous day. Yes, she could 'call a spade a spade', but her compassion and interest in people encompassed everyone she met, and many people will be the richer in spirit for having known her, be it for a long time or only a short time. You will be missed and remembered fondly by more people than you could realise, Val.

Val has been my friend for a very long time. We live in the same suburb and at one point in our lives we even worked in the same organization. She was a generous spirit - she truly cared for the underdog. One trait of her personality was that she didn't put up with any one's BS! She knew how to stand her ground. I guess what I admired most about her was her ability to always want to make it `right'. Last year I lost my Father suddenly, it was Val who talked things through with me and encouraged me on. She'd keep up the chatter and I guess in many ways she helped me combat the depressions that followed. We all have friends in our lives - some come and go during a particular period in our lives. Some are there during the high points and then quickly disappear when tough times come. Val was unique in that she understood the value of a friend. She was with me through some very tough times - difficulties raising teenagers, husband being sick, trying to find work back in Canberra and so on. Val was there, encouraging me on. I for one will miss her but at the same time I've learnt to let go because I know she was in considerable pain/distress with her condition. What makes it better is the knowledge that she is no longer in pain and is at peace. By now, she probably is straightening out the Angels Colony! Rest my friend - I will miss you. Love. Joyce

I met Val in 2006 when I had the pleasure of working with her, for a short time, at Engineers Australia. You always knew when Val was heading your way - that smoke-enhanced voice, the throaty laugh, and of course the cloud of pink that was Val :) Val could talk tough - she didn't take crap from anyone - but she had a heart of gold and time for anyone who needed it. A wonderful lady who gave so much. We will miss you.

I worked with Val at Engineers Australia in the Engineering Practice team from 2005 to 2006. Val and I sat directly next to each other. Val's silvery laugh was very distinctive. She had the Bosom Buddies mobile and the 'Can Can' song would ring out through the space as she counselled people. She was a larger than life character, full of fun, cheeky wit, and always had a very pertinent word to say about anything. She always said she should give me 'bitch' lessons to toughen me up. Val gave me immeasurable support in August/September 2005 when I found a breast lump and she accompanied me to the ultrasound scan which thankfully was clear. She was a wonderful woman who did so much for so many people and she will be sadly missed by us all. Val, you give those angels a run for their money. You've earned your wings. :) I'll be wearing pink to your thanksgiving service, there isn't any other colour worth wearing for you. :) Love you lots, Alison xxxx