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 20^th Street, Bowden, Alberta, T0M0K0.