We Remember

LECHNER, Wilma

February 14, 1935 — July 30, 2026

Wilma Lechner, 91, beloved sister, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, with family at her side. A woman of faith, she has gone home to be with her Lord and Saviour.

Wilma was born on February 14, 1935, to shoemaker Theodor and weaver Christine Boepple in the village of Eigenfeld, Bessarabia. In 1956, Wilma immigrated to Canada, initially settling, marrying Joseph and having their first son in Winnipeg. Their second son was born after a move to Kelowna, where a daughter completed the family in 1961. Life was always busy. Wilma’s hands sewed and knit clothes for her family and crocheted afghans to keep them warm. There was probably not an Okanagan fruit (other than pears for some reason) that didn’t make it onto Wilma’s kitchen counter in the form of a streusel or upside down cake.

A bookkeeper by training (first in Germany and then at Okanagan College taking night classes), Wilma always worked, at McLean & Fitzpatrick packing house alongside her mother, Dave’s Supermarket (later Salem’s Supermarket), Interior Floors and at Northside Steel. Involvement in Herbalife kept her active until her eventual retirement.

Over the years, whether it was teaching Sunday School, being a member of church council or various choirs, Wilma always found time for matters of faith. Her faith held her fast until her last days.

Wilma is survived by her three children: Gerhard, Roy, and Peggy (Alan); her brother Gerhard, sister Hulda, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was predeceased by her parents, brother Oskar, husband Joe, sisters Else and Irma, brothers-in-law Theo, Karl, Kal, and Toni, sisters-in-law Katharina and Maria, nephew Toni, and like-sisters Ella and Erika.

The family will hold a private Celebration of Life at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests — if you would like to remember Wilma in this way — a donation to Canadian Lutheran World Relief (a Lutheran charity that does aid and development work around the world and was instrumental in her own family’s coming to Canada) or a charity that you hold close to your heart.

The family would like to thank the staff in KGH’s ER and ICU, who cared for our mother so compassionately during her last hours, and to the staff and residents at Okanagan Château for adding spark to Wilma’s last weeks.

Wilma’s memory will live on through her family who have been enriched by her unwavering love. She will be deeply missed.

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Canadian Lutheran World Relief Link: www.clwr.org

 


 


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