We Remember

ANGLIN, Vona Irene
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Vona passed away at Kelowna general hospital on April 24, 2012, at the age of 98. She is remembered by many as a loving and caring family member, friend, and mentor. Vona was born in Bowden, Alberta and grew up with her parents Emma and William, and siblings Marion and Ralph. She took music instruction and piano lessons starting at an early age, and trained to be a hairdresser after grade school. While running her hairdressing shop in Bowden, Vona met Anne Mountain, her lifelong friend. Anne and Bill Mills daughter Lynda became Vona’s goddaughter. Vona also taught piano lessons and accompanied the Mr. Hopkins junior symphony for 10 years. During that time the symphony won the RB Bennett trophy for best junior symphony in Alberta three times. In the early 50’s Vona accepted a music teaching position in Sundre and during the summers she worked at cottages. Vona proudly bought her first home in Bowden and worked many years supporting herself. While riding the bus to work she met Jack Anglin, a Vice principal in Bowness, whom she married in 1958. Jack was a Royal Air Force Vet and they bought acreage in Bowness where she lived with Jack’s two teenage sons Grant and Lowell, from a previous marriage. Jack and Vona retired in Calgary and travelled extensively through Australia, Europe, and New Zealand. After Jack’s passing, Vona spent some time with cousin May Archer and May’s daughter Helen enjoying motor tours of British Isles, helping her adjust to single life. In 1993 Vona moved to the Okanagan to be closer to family. For 2 years she lived at Sandalwood retirement home with her cousin Jean Hamilton. After Jean’s passing, Vona moved to Sunpoint village and then Harmony Living. Over the years she was cared for by her Niece Helen Bullock and family, Goddaughter Lynda and her husband Bruce, and caregiver Nicki. In Vona’s words “Other oldies should be so lucky.” As requested by Vona, there is no public service, but a private gathering in remembrance is being held at Springfield Funeral Home May 4, 2012, at 5 pm. Please bring pictures and memories to share with others. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a Bowden Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund, C/O Town of Bowden, Cemetery Fund, 2101 20th Street, Bowden, Alberta, T0M0K0.
Service
private gathering in remembrance
I was saddened by the news of Vona’s passing, but was happy to have known such a caring person and to have such fond memories.
I met Vona Anglin in November 1975, or should I say she picked me out of a Calgary Herald classified, “accommodations wanted” ad that I had posted with 5 other young Olds College Fashion Merchandising students. We were looking for a 6-week stay while doing a “workshare program” in Calgary as part of our course requirements. Vona & Jack took us all in as they had several rooms in the basement of their Charleswood bungalow. Vona was so giving and thoughtful and served such amazing meals. Their family room was a time for sharing and relaxation. I think she loved having 6 young women to share her life with.
My parents had moved to Africa when I was 19, and upon meeting Vona she quickly became my “surrogate” mom. I came to live with them again upon graduating in 1976 until I found a place of my own. Our friendship grew and continued throughout the years with Vona & Jack coming to my wedding in 1978 and then welcoming my two sons into the world. She had some old light green building bricks and dinky toys she stored in the front closet for them to play with on our visits. She tried to teach me the piano and I think I must have been her worst student…. I wouldn’t let go of my dream to get better and ended up buying her piano when she moved out of her Charleswood home.
Over the years I met some of her relatives, but knew most of them through her photos and the many fond memories she shared with me.
Although I saw her less once she moved her home to B.C., we kept in touch with cards on special occasions. My husband and two sons visited her when she lived in Sandalwood and Sunpoint Village. My last visit with her was at Harmony Living three years ago.
Vona will always be in my heart and fondly remembered for her gentle ways and loving support. Susan Chadwick