We Remember

CHAMBERLAIN, Mary Alena (née Bregolisse)

January 29, 1943 — November 19, 2025

Mary Alena Chamberlain (née Bregolisse) passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the age of 82 with her family by her side.

Mary moved from Revelstoke to Kelowna at the age of 5. As a girl, she worked in the family store, the ABC market, the original location of People’s Food Market. She attended St. Joseph Catholic School and Kelowna High School. After graduation, she went to Notre Dame College in Nelson before heading to Victoria, where she was trained as a schoolteacher like her mother.

Mary was predeceased by her parents Arthur Tillio and Mary, and the best older brother a girl could ever ask for, Art Bregolisse. Mom will forever be cherished by her 3 children Susan (Graeme), Michael and Bob; her grandchildren Zach (Laura), Nicole, Manny (Jill), William and Moira; and great-granddaughter Eve; as well as beloved mothers of her grandchildren Karen Chamberlain and Michelle Hall. She also leaves behind her nieces and nephews Lisa Liebbrand (Doug), Dan (Doris), John and their families and Art’s wife Dorothy. Many in the Glenmore neighbourhood might remember Mary as the assistant to John on the family paper route.

Mary worked as a substitute teacher, specializing in libraries. After raising her children, she reinvented herself volunteering and later working at The Kelowna Crisis Line and The Kelowna Women’s Shelter. At the Shelter, she utilized her ability to connect with people, raising funds and developing programs to support women in need through counselling and personal skill development.  She was a compassionate woman, a great listener and a close friend to many.

The Catholic Church played an important role in her upbringing, and she lived a spiritual life.

For the last few years of her life, Mary suffered from dementia. Her family feels blessed that she was able to live at home until her last few days. We will be forever grateful to Tammy, Nadya, and Elisa for their warmth, spirit, love, and support through her care. We also wish to acknowledge the outstanding support provided by the Interior Health Respite Care team.

Thanks to Mary’s many friends who she held so dear, particularly the longtime Friday night group at Yamas! A special thank you is saved for Dorothy DeVries, one of Mom’s oldest friends, for the friendship, love, and support she provided to her and the family.

A Catholic mass was held for family in her honour at St Pius Church, where her favourite Ave Maria was sung beautifully.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support The Kelowna Women’s Shelter, in her name.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

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The Kelowna Women's Shelter Link: www.kelownawomensshelter.com

 


 


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