We Remember
BRAATEN, Julie
January 29, 1923 — March 19, 2021
The family of Julie Estelle Braaten, born January 29, 1923, is saddened to announce her passing on March 19, 2021 at the age of 98.
Julie Estelle Farrell was born on the farm in Kipling, Saskatchewan, one of nine children. Julie married the love of her life, Emerson Braaten on December 12, 1953. She started her career as a teacher and later became a successful businesswoman, opening several businesses including the Dairy Delight, Carnival Kitchens and Stretch & Sew Fabrics. She was also the President of the Canadian Restaurant Association. Julie did all of this while raising her four children – a woman truly ahead of her time. After years in business in Regina, she moved to Kelowna and began a new career as a realtor opening her own real estate firm and working into her 70’s. Julie was an active member, volunteer and fundraiser for St. Paul’s United Church, the Central Okanagan Hospice Association and the Shriners.
Julie had a deep connection with her family and friends, often adopting many friends into her extended family. Her passion for life, work ethic and strength of character made her a very special person and a friend to everyone. She was also an exceptional cook, often entertaining family and friends well into her 90’s.
She will be deeply missed by her children: Murray (Arlene), Sheila (Roy), Norma (Joe), and Lyle (Michelle); her seven grandchildren: Kate, Lise, Maija, Liam, Daniel, Luke, and Michael; along with her sister Marguerite Upton. She will also be missed by her sisters-in-law, Florian Filyk and Rosemary Braaten; and brothers-in-law, John Hettema, and Albert Braaten. Julie loved her visits with her numerous nieces and nephews, long time family friends and new friends of all ages.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Julie’s caregivers and the staff at Legacy Seniors Residence (Vancouver) who supported her and gave her a warm and lively home in her last years. Her friend and caregiver, Marie Anderson was an angel sent to us and we thank her for genuine and compassionate care of our mother. We also are deeply grateful for the care and support provided by Dr. Raymond McConville (Vancouver) and to Dr. Paul Hart (Kelowna).
Julie was predeceased by her loving husband, Emerson, in 1998 and will be reunited with him at a private graveside service on Friday, March 26th, 2021 at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery. The family plans to have a celebration of Julie’s life once the COVID-19 restrictions are modified.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
To the Braaten Family,
Please accept my Deepest Condolences.
Lyle, Norma, Murray and Sheila, We are so very sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. She was a wonderful Lady and we had many great conversations with her. She always made Cathy and Me laugh – she was a spitfire, so full of energy. We will miss her dearly. Our love and prayers to you all and your families. Love Sandra and Cathy Rublack
Lisa and I send our deepest sympathies and our heartfelt thoughts to Murray, Sheila, Norma and Lyle. Julie (or, as I would have referred to her, “Mrs. Braaten”) was a wonderful woman, and a force of nature. She was a great role model for her children, and those of us who grew up in her orbit back in the Regina days. She was fortunate to live to a ripe old age, with her loving family nearby.
I am so so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She truly was a remarkable woman. The four of you are a testament to that. My Mom so enjoyed getting together with your Mom for lunches and tea, catching up on things and news from here and Regina. My most sincere and heartfelt sympathies go out to you,. I wish you peaceful healing and know that the many cherished memories that you have will help you through this time.
We offer sincere condolences to your family. We think of you often, with fond memories. We talked to your Mom about 6 months ago, and had such a lovely conversation. Beautiful memories of Humphrey and the Carnival Drive Inn. Your Mom will be resting in heaven with your Dad. Hugs.
Deepest Sympathies to Lyle and Family for your loss. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Edith and our family are saddened to hear of your mom’s passing, and regret that we couldn’t make one last get together happen. Julie was my first boss in Regina at the Carnival Drive-In, and also my first sewing instructor!. Emerson and my father Carl were best buds growing up! We have so respected the lives they led, and the beautiful family they raised!
Julie was my teacher @ Riverview School. (South Of Weyburn). My two sisters & I had lunch @ her beautiful home in Kelowna. About 9 years ago. Wonderful memories.
Murray Shiela Norma Lyle & families please accept my condolences
My thoughts& prayers are with you at this time
Please accept our most sincere condolences on the death of your Mother. She was a remarkable woman and we all enjoyed our relationship with her over the years. She will be missed by everyone that was fortunate to know her and I will miss our reminiscing about Saskatchewan and her keen wit and sense of humor..
I will miss my great aunt Julie very much. I remember summertime trips to Kelowna to visit her were always highlights of my childhood. She was such a caring, beautiful, loving individual. Rest peacefully and condolences to the family, Murray, Sheila, Norma and Lyle.
I remember you fondly as a giant and going to your gas station with Dad. Thank you Mr Johnson for your kind words
I have known your mother since her teaching days in Abbey. She and your Dad and I had many a party meal and visit together in Regina. My children, Brad Dwight and Elaine offer our condolences to you Murray, Sheila, Norma and Lyle. She was a remarkable woman and will be missed.
Dear: Lyle, Norma, Murray & Sheila.
I am deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. She was such a wonderful woman, I will always miss her. What I always remember is how warm and welcoming she was and how she got everyone together. I have amazing memories of our visits to her beach house in Kelowna.
She was a fine lady. Taught me in Abbey, Sk. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Dear Braaten Family; I send my condolences to you all on the death of our dear Julie. What a joy and lovely, gracious lady she was. What a welcoming hostess. Wonderful memories of St. Paul’s Church picnics in her back yard. We will miss her.
With love, Beryl Baldeo
Julie was my grade one teacher at Riverview school, and lived at our farm part of the year. I realize now how young she was to take on 35 pupils , grades 1-10. A good teacher and lovely lady.
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
Dear Norma & Family: We hold such fond memories and admiration for Julie and extend our deepest condolences
Murray Shiela Norma Lyle & families, my deepest sympathies from my Mom Anne Farrell’s side of the family.
Dear Lyle, Sheila, Norma and Murray:
Aunt Julie was one of a kind and I am very sad to hear of her passing. Though we seldom saw each other in recent years, I thought of her often and will miss her greatly. Aunt Julie always had an open door for random nieces dropping in to say Hi (back in the Regina period) and sharing her wise advice on career, family and pursuit of all great things. Her passion for life and encouraging young people striving to discover their career and make their way in the world was one of the many amazing qualities I appreciated and loved about your mom. But her thoughtfulness was equally touching. At her 90th birthday party she had original paintings made by a local Kelowna artist of our Grandma’s Braaten’s Iris painting – and gave them to each of us girls as a memento. Aunt Julie lived a long and very full life, largely due to the care of her loving family. No regrets at this sad time I hope. And may it also help to remember the many people Aunt Julie inspired and touched in such a positive way throughout her 98 years. Blessings to you all, Love Marcia, Abby and Val (Robert’s family)
Dear cousins, Aunt Julie will always be remembered as one of the kindest, sharpest and most mindful people that you could ever hope to meet. We knew her as a uniting force in the family, a strong woman who always had a welcoming heart and would take time to get to know those that came into her circles. We will miss her, and her incredible strength, and we will always keep her in our hearts. Wishing you all peace and strength through the days ahead.