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A Special Birthday on Valentine’s Day: A B.C. Woman’s Life of Art and Affection

The Artistic Legacy of a 93-Year-Old

In the serene setting of Teresa Moore’s dining room, a still life painting casts a glow of nostalgia and artistry. The painting features a lobster, a loaf of bread, fruit, and goblets, bathed in soft light against a dark backdrop, alongside her grandfather’s vintage pocket watch. This artwork, along with a vivid depiction of the Lions Gate Bridge and West Vancouver from the Stanley Park seawall, are the creations of Moore’s mother, Val Clements, who has filled her Coquitlam home with her artistic expressions.

Valentine Clement at her daughter’s home in Coquitlam

Celebrating More Than Just Valentine’s Day

Val Clements, who is affectionately known by her family as Val, is celebrating her 93rd birthday, coincidentally on Valentine’s Day, a fact she views with charming indifference. Despite the romantic coincidence, Clements is celebrated not just for her birthday but for her profound love for art and family. Known for her succinct communication style, especially with those she isn’t close with, she has always expressed her deepest passions through her artwork, retiring her paintbrushes only at the age of 85 but keeping her supplies close at hand.

Living Fully and Creatively

Clements continues to live independently, managing her daily routines with vigor near Lougheed Mall. She engages in daily walks, shops frequently, and until recently, drove herself in her 2018 red Chevy Cruze. Her longevity, she believes, is attributed to a life of faith, family love, good nutrition, restful sleep, and active living. She shares her wisdom and experiences in her vibrant community, where she remains a pillar of historical knowledge and artistic contribution. As she approaches her mid-nineties, Clements’s life is a testament to the power of living one’s passions and maintaining strong family ties, underscored by a history of artistic achievement and personal resilience.