We Remember
REIMER, Brigitte
September 20, 1935 — November 15, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Brigitte, who died at Kelowna General Hospital on November 15, 2025.
She was born Brigitte Zickmantel on September 20, 1935, in Paramaribo, in what was then Dutch Guiana (now Suriname). Predeceased by her loving husband Howard Reimer, she is survived by children Douglas, Elizabeth and Neil; daughters-in-law Barbara and Amy; and grandchildren Kade, James, Heather, Alex, and Anneka.
She lived a full and interesting life, residing in Dutch Guiana, Venezuela, the United States, and Canada. English was her fourth language, after German, Dutch, and Spanish. After completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Richmond (Virginia) Brigitte immigrated to Canada and stayed with her parents on Falkland Ranch before doing her secondary teacher training at UBC. She met her future husband, Howard Reimer, in the observation deck of the train while travelling from Vancouver to Hamilton. They married and lived in Winnipeg, where Brigitte obtained a master’s degree in history and embarked on her teaching career while raising three children.
The family eventually settled in Kelowna, and Brigitte devoted her life to teaching high school English and German, as well as counselling students. She also ran the school’s debating team and trained judges for district competitions. She and Howard became active leaders in their church and Habitat for Humanity. Chamber music was a passion for both Brigitte and Howard; they were founding and long-time board members of the Kelowna Chamber Music Society. Brigitte travelled many times to Banff for the biennial week-long international string quartet competition. They also loved entertaining, and Brigitte hosted many dinner parties for friends and family. Brigitte was a great cook, and her delicious pies, especially, are etched in her children’s and grandchildren’s memories.
Brigitte took great pride in her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments in academics, sports, and music. An enthusiastic tennis player in her day, she was a keen sports fan and enjoyed following Doug’s varsity volleyball teams. She remained an avid reader throughout her life. She had a thoughtful perspective on current events and donated generously to a multitude of organisations that worked to alleviate suffering in the world.
Brigitte was a warm, perceptive, and outgoing person who touched many with her kindness. Her interest in the lives of the people she cared about and her energetic spark remained with her to her last days. She will be sorely missed by her family and her many friends, and neighbours in Kelowna and beyond. The family would like to thank her wonderful neighbours and loyal friends who supported Brigitte at the end.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity or Central Okanagan United Church in Kelowna.
A service will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 2:00 pm (PST) at Central Okanagan United Church, 721 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC.
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Service
Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 2:00 pm (PST)
Location
Central Okanagan United Church, 721 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC
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Service Information
Service Details
The service for REIMER, Brigitte is scheduled for Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 2:00 pm (PST). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.


Your mom was an amazing counselor to me at KSS and it saddens to hear she’s gone. She joins her beloved husband and some other colleagues from KSS. She was a great listener and I was impressed by her. RIP Mrs. Reimer. You’ll be forever missed by your family and friends. ❤️
I knew Mrs Reimer from KSS. I didn’t have her as a teacher but she taught with my Dad ( Ian Middler ) and was good friends with my family. I’m so glad I was able to speak with her in May when I saw her at my Dad’s Celebration of Life. – such a nice woman with a great sense of humour and laugh. Rest in peace Mrs Reimer
Dear Douglas, Liz and Neil, It is with deep sympathy on the death of your amazing Mother, Brigitte, who I came to love and respect, for who she was as a person. her commitment to St David’s Presbyterian church, her work on the session, her leadership abilities, her amazing cooking skills and offerings, and her willingness to go the second mile and support a family in their home while their Mom was struggling with Mental illness. She gave with no need for adulation…..she made a difference that only our Lord will recognize and remember. Both your parents Howard and Brigitte served and were loved in our church and I have many fond memories though we did not always agree theologically. Sincerely, Jordis Schill.
As per the above condolence.
The family comments fit Brigitte’s life so well. She gave of herself and her life to all who knew her and beyond. I will remember her very fondly and will miss her. My gratitude to all family members for taking such good care of her, especially through the later years.
Brigitte was such a blessing to my family. I attended St. David’s with her and in my time of need she helped look after my young children while I was getting treatment for my mental health. I am sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences to all her family.
Heather
I first met Howard when he was my English professor at Okanagan College in 1984. Years later when I moved back to Kelowna, I began to attend St Davids and met Brigitte. I count myself blessed to have known both Howard and Brigitte. She was my elder for many years and was a great support. I was impressed with her inner strength and practical nature. She was not one to suffer fools lightly. Howard and Brigitte were also close to my parents, Ivan and Gwen Gamble. My father has passed,. My mother is saddened to hear of Brigitte’s passing. Our condolences to your family. Brigitte was loved by many and will be missed.
Brigitte and I met when we both first arrived in Kelowna 49 years ago. We played bridge in the same group and, until the last few years, we played our weekly doubles tennis games with our dear friend Donna McKenzie and substitute friends, Every year the three of us have celebrated our birthdays with a lunch get-together. My deepest condolences to Brigitte’s family on her sudden passing. Ann Smith.
Brigitte was our friend. Yes, I was her minister for seven years but a family friend for many decades more than seven. As friends we shared much even during those times when we lived far apart. Betty and I continue to lament the loss of Howard, Brigitte’s husband and favourite tenor. We most certainly appreciate Doug, Liz, Neil and their Reimer gifts of excellence in sports, humour, music, teaching and learning.
While living in different countries, continents and currently, provinces we continued our friendship. In recent years Brigitte phoned all the way from British Columbia to check on Betty and our new experience of living in the foothills and politics of Alberta,
‘Brigitte’. What shall we call you? By your name’s meaning of ‘strength’, ‘power’or ‘exalted person’? All possible but maybe with your multi-linguistic backgound ‘Brigid’ as in ‘godess’? Now I hear your laughter. Each name would be too much as we know that with all the gifts that are yours you retained a humility that allowed us to call you “friend”.
Be at peace Brigitte and thank you for giving us so many wonderful memories and for Doug, Liz and Neil.