We Remember
SPERLING, Velma Patricia (née Casorso)
April 14, 1929 — February 26, 2026
Velma Patricia Sperling (née Casorso) passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, at the age of 96.
A long-time resident of Kelowna whose roots in the region stretched back generations, Velma was born on April 14, 1929, in Kelowna—the daughter of Peter and Alice Casorso, members of one of the area’s early Italian-Canadian families. Growing up on Pioneer Ranch on Casorso Road during the challenging years of the Depression, she learned essential skills such as cooking, baking, canning, and preserving from her family, especially her beloved Aunt Peg. These homemaking talents became central to her life and a beautiful expression of her love for others.
In 1948, she married her husband, Bert Sperling, and together they built a life grounded in faith, family, and hard work. They raised six children while actively participating in local life. Velma was deeply involved in her community, volunteering with the hospital and contributing her time and care through the Catholic Women’s League and the Kelowna Riding Club. Her generosity and willingness to serve reflected the quiet strength and compassion that defined her character.
In 1985, Velma and her daughters Karen & Marie and good family friend Colleen Armeneau opened Pioneer Country Market, which became a cherished gathering place known for its homemade baking, preserves, and warm conversation. For decades, the market reflected Velma herself—welcoming, generous, and full of heart.
Velma was predeceased by her beloved husband Bert; her parents Peter and Alice Casorso; and her five siblings, Betsy O’Shaunessey, Joyce McDonald, Norma Barker, Garth Lanfranco, and Ken Casorso.
She is lovingly remembered by sister Linda Lanfranco and her six children: Douglas Sperling, Susan Richardson, Karen Sperling, Marie Sperling, Ann Sperling, and Joan Stepler and their spouses, as well as 19 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren, who were her pride and joy.
Velma’s legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the traditions she preserved, and the community she helped nourish. She will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, faith, and the simple joy she found in bringing people together around good food, laughter and love.
The family would like to thank Karen and Marie for their special care of our Mom these last few years of her life and the care givers at The Vineyards Residence.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Vincent de Paul Society.
Funeral Mass will be held on TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM (PDT), at St. Charles Garnier Parish, 3645 Benvoulin Rd, Kelowna, BC V1W 4M7. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service, a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM Provided by St. Charles Garnier Parish: click here to watch
Service
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM
Location
St. Charles Garnier Parish
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Service Details
The service for SPERLING, Velma Patricia (née Casorso) is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.


Dear Sperling family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all in the loss of dear Velma. Velma was very kind and gracious t0 me on my visits with Gerry Stewart. When I returned to Kelowna Velma was always welcoming and I so enjoyed our
chats. Strangely enough I was thinking of Velma last week and uncanny as it seems I went through the Obiturary
Dear Sperling family, thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of loss. Dear Velma so kind and gracious to me when
I visited with Gerry Stewart. Every time I returned to Kelowna Gerry would take me out to visit Velma, so many lovely chats
and putting the world to rights.!! My visits with the Stewart family always included conversations which included the
Sperlings. Strange as it may seem Velma was very much on my mind last week and I even looked up on Obituaries on
Castanet -why who knows? I appreciate Tami Stewart informing me of Velma’s passing. I will let the Hassan family know as
I remember they shared time with some of you during there time there. I used to work for Nick and Marg.
Velma rest in peace dear lady, I feel very blest to have met you. Johanne Brown Blenheim NZ
It was lovely reading about Velma’s life and legacy. I first heard the wonderful stories that shaped Susan, some 35+ years ago. Velma’s generous heart and love were reflected through her children and grandchildren. A void is there now, but may it be filled with all the many beautiful memories left in the hearts of those who knew her.. May God bless each of you feeling this loss.
My condolences to the Sperling and Casorso families for the loss of your amazing Velma. I have a memory of her canning in the ‘summer kitchen’ which may have been downstairs? She was so busy dealing with a bounty of tomatoes with great confidence and get it done attitude. That memory has filter up when I now am canning. So I am grateful to have meet her. Take care during this difficult time.
Vema was such a kind & wonderful person to deal with. I dealt with both her & Bert while I worked at Whillis-Harding Insurance & enjoyed many a Saturday fresh donut at the market. She was truly a wonderful soul.
To our sweet friend Marie. We are sorry for this huge loss to your family. Our sincere condolences.❤️
Sue, Paul and all of the family.
What a wonderful lady; what a treasure. A huge loss and very sad time but also a terrific example of a life well lived and a legacy that will live on for many generations.
Our love and prayers are with you
The Therrien Family