We Remember

DEGRUCHY, Gaylene (Elder)

May 8, 1947 — December 28, 2016

Loving mother, wife, sister, grandmother and friend went to be with the Lord on December 28, 2016 at the age of 69. Survived by her loving husband Jack DeGruchy, daughters Tracey Huber (Lance) of Kelowna, BC, Lyndall DeGruchy of Asotin, Washington; son Todd (Marie) DeGruchy of Kelowna, BC; sister Joyce (Peter) Raczynski of Regina, SK; and grandchildren: Lyndall, Denby, Gracie, Flyn, Adrienne, Reese, Madelyn, John. Predeceased by her mother Evelyne and her father William “Bill” Elder.

Gaylene left this earth a better place with her love for family, friends, and the great outdoors (Bear Creek and Big White). She gave us life, she brought us to God and blessed us with her grateful and devoted spirit. She was a loyal friend, compassionate counselor, loving mother and supportive wife. She taught us the importance of celebrating life and all its precious moments. She is much loved and will be deeply missed.

A St Paul’s United Church Funeral service will be hosted on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 1:00 pm at the Kelowna Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1130 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Reach Out Youth Counseling www.reachoutyouthcounselling.com, Kelowna Family Centre www.kfscs.com and Crohns & Colitis Canada www.crohnsandcolitis.ca. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

Service
Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 1:00 pm

Location
Kelowna Seventh-Day Adventist Church

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Reach Out Youth Counseling or Kelowna Family Centre or Crohn's & Colitis Canada Link: www.reachoutyouthcounselling.com, www.kfscs.com , www.crohnsandcolitis.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for DEGRUCHY, Gaylene (Elder) is scheduled for Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 1:00 pm . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Kelowna Seventh-Day Adventist Church

1130 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

Phone:


Special Requests:

None.


Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Len Kruiper says:

    So sorry to hear about your loss. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  • Murray & Phyllis Elder says:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this most difficult time.

  • Lynn and Art Pedde says:

    Gaylene was an amazing lady and will be sorely missed. Our Sorority has lost a valued sister and will be forever remembered for her kindness, patience and ready laugh. We were privileged to have called her friend.

  • Paul and Maria Howie says:

    Thinking of all of you at this time of loss. I have such good memories of Gaylene and how she made me feel at home when visiting.

  • Dawn Kaminski says:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Another angel received her wings. Gaylene will be truly missed. She will never be forgotten, always in our hearts and in our memories. RIP❤

    Love Dawn and Frank Kaminski

  • Kathleen Nygren says:

    Hello to the Degruchy family, I have fond memories of Gaylene as a fellow writer in the SLR’s writing group. I’m so sorry for your loss of Gaylene….sincerely, Kathleen Nygren

  • Stan Gunderson says:

    Dear Jack, Tracey, Lyndall, Todd and your families,
    You all have been in our hearts and prayers this last while.In so much as it was surely God’s will that Gaylene would be taken from us prematurely, we suggest that this may have been because she was able to attain all her great achievements in life much faster that most. She was a wonderful lady and a dear friend. We share your grief and sincerely hope that ,in time, your hearts will heal.
    Stan & Gayle Gunderson and family

  • Tammy Reid says:

    Jack, Tracey, Lyndall and Todd,

    I am so sorry to hear about Gaylene’s passing. She was a lovely lady with a warm and welcoming presence about her.

    Sincerely,
    Tammy Reid

  • Lockie and Elaine Bracken says:

    Jack and family, We are sorry for your loss.You have many wonderful memories of her to keep you strong. We loved visiting with her.

  • Daryle & Linda Edstrom says:

    We are so saddened to hear of Gaylene’s passing. She was a wonderful woman who always had a smile on her face. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time.
    Daryle and Linda Edstrom

  • Patti Hoy says:

    So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you have of Gaylene. She was truly a remarkable person! She will be missed but never forgotten.

  • Cliff Walker says:

    Jack. I live in México during the winter and I still get the Leader-Post online. I was very sorry to read about your loss in today’s paper and I thought I would take a moment and send my condolences across the miles. Although I didn’t know Gaylene, I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose your bride. Although it has been almost 50 years since we saw each other, I still think of you every time I drive by Elphinstone and 5th Avenue. I often wondered if you had met a nice lady and it is apparent that you did. I can only hope that Gaylene has a safe and pleasant journey to where ever she is off to and that you will retain some beautiful memories of her.

  • Zeno & Sandy Cescon says:

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family on the passing of Gaylene. She was a remarkable person who lived a life well lived. Memories do last a lifetime. Our sincerest condolences.

  • Wayne Slinn says:

    Jack, I am so sorry to hear about Gaylene. My heart goes out to you and the family. She was a great friend for over 50 years. I remember all those great days playing football together at Martin and how Gaylene was such a cute cheerleader riding back on the bus with us and going to the A&W walk in after the games and get free hamburgers from Les Donnely and how Mrs. Faber took care of all to stay out of trouble. Great memories. Take care my friend.

  • Bernie & Ev Monteleone says:

    Jack, Tracey, Lyndall, Todd & Families . . . We are so saddened by the news of Gaylene’s passing. Such a beautiful person, happy , smiling, and loving life! Cherish your memories and all those special moments you shared. You’re in our thoughts & prayers as you mourn your deepest loss. Love, Bernie, Ev & family

  • Jack Burton says:

    Jack and family :
    I am so sorry to hear that Gaylene has passed away . Hold on to the memories ,they are priceless.
    Jack Burton

  • Tina Stewart says:

    Dear Jack and Family, I am so sorry for your loss.Gaylene was a very special women,who touched so many lives.I feel extremely grateful to have known,such a loving and caring person.My thoughts and prayers are with you all,at this very difficult time.
    Tina Stewart

  • Sandra & Roy Hogarth says:

    Dear Jack and family,
    Roy and I were very sad to hear of Gaylene’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with her years ago, when I was helping with a fund raising event for Reach Out Youth Counselling. Her wonderful passion for helping young people was always so evident and inspiring.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Sincerely,
    Sandra Hogarth

  • Bob and Lynda McGowan says:

    Dear Jack and family;
    We are saddened and concerned for your loss. Gaylene was a beautiful spirit, a lovely neighbour, a compassionate counsellor and more. You will miss her terribly. Last time we met up with her we were comparing notes on grandkids. Take some comfort in the love she had for you all and cherish those memories of the “good times”.

  • Betty Urness says:

    Dear Jack, Tracy, Lyndall, Todd and families…

    How very sad this time is for all of you. Gaylene was one of the finest people I had the privilege to know. We were friends and neighbours on Horace Street in Regina way back in the early 1950’s. Our friendship has spanned over 60 years! I can’t help but smile as I remember you Jack, as Martin Collegiate’s Football King and Gaylene as Miss Martin. You have been a pair forever it seems. Gaylene was such a sweet, positive influence on everyone she knew. She will be deeply missed by so many, but none more than you and your family. I am so glad I had the chance to spend some time on the phone with Gaylene just a few weeks ago. As usual, she was very positive and up-beat. You all have suffered much this year with Evelyn’s passing in the spring and now Gaylene. I will continue to pray for you all that the Lord will comfort and console you and bring you deep and lasting peace. May you find great comfort in the shared memories of a life well lived and loved.

    With deepest compassion and sympathy,
    Betty Urness

  • Jeremy Sanbrooks says:

    I had the pleasure over the past few years of working with Gaylene at the Kelowna Family Centre. She was a happy and calming presence and will surely be missed. My prayers for your family as you go through this difficult time.

  • Bob Mills says:

    Darcie and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to all of Gaylene’s family. Our thoughts are with you.

  • Diane Morazain says:

    Dear Jack, Tracy, Lyndall and Todd,
    We were shocked to learn about Gaylene’s death. She was too young to die. We will remember her smile and her warmth. We’ll be thinking of you and your families.
    Diane and Pierre Morazain

  • Bill and Linda Knowles says:

    Dear Jack and family: There are no words to tell you how terribly sorry we were to hear of Gaylene’s passing. We pray your wonderful memories of that very special lady will bring you comfort and keep Gaylene close in your heart. With many heartfelt thoughts and our deepest sympathy…Linda and Bill Knowles

  • Betty Wagner says:

    Dear Jack, Tracey, Lyndall, Todd and all of your family members;
    I was deeply saddened to read in the Leader Post of Gaylene’s “way too early” death! She was an amazing lady………always smiling, always welcoming, always a friend! It was through Gaylene’s parents that we came to know her and her family. My sincere condolences go out to each of you! Betty Wagner Regina

  • Poojan/Vijay Rai, Natalie Carter, Arlene Whitford says:

    Dear Jack and family: We are all very sorry for your loss, Gaylene was a wonderful, kind loving lady, she will be sadly missed. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.

  • darlene bates says:

    Jack: Our deepest condolences. We think of you each day.

    Darlene and Harold

  • Marilyn says:

    Dear Jack and family,
    So very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and family. Blessings to all.
    Marilyn

  • Leah Todd says:

    I knew Gaylene from an SLR writing class. Very sorry to hear of her death. My heart goes out to family and friends.

  • darlene bates says:

    Jack, Our deepest condolences. We think of you each day with love…..Darlene and Harold

  • Rusty & Beverly Bracken says:

    Dear Jack & family. Our hearts & prayers reach out to you… We can only imagine the loss you are feeling at this time. Gaylene had such a beautiful spirit & we feel so blessed that we had the opportunity to know her. May all your special memories help you through your journey. In sympathy, Rusty & Bev

  • Hans & Irene Giesen says:

    We were saddened to hear of Gaylene’s passing.

  • Rachel Whitehead says:

    Dear Jack,Tracey,Lyndall,Todd and Marie:
    We are very saddened to hear of the loss of Gaylene.
    Gaylene was a warm, caring,smiling person ….It was my privilege to have know her…..Rachel Whitehead

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