HEPNER, Violet

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Violet Audrey Hepner nee Hopkins of Kelowna BC passed away on March 16, 2016, surrounded by family. A viewing will be held at the Springfield Funeral Home on March 24, 2016 between 11:30 AM – 1 2:30 PM.  A celebration of life will be held at the Westbank Lions Community Centre, 2466 Main Street, West Kelowna, BC on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at 4 PM.

Vi was born in Golden BC to George and Vera Hopkins on October 5, 1937. She had a sister Doreen Doherty and a brother Ronald Hopkins.  Vi grew up in Westbank and experienced many changes over the years.  She remembers Main Street as being a dirt road with no traffic lights.  The school she attended was the old Glenrosa School House and had one single classroom.  Her father rode to work on his bicycle.

Vi was a resident of Westbank. She had lots of childhood memories growing up with many of the original families in the area.  Vi was a stay at home mom raising six children.  When she married, she spent several years living in Glenmore on the farm and then made the move back to Westbank.

She was known in the neighbourhood as the “Amway” Lady. She loved to travel, especially to Hawaii, where she vacationed many times over the years. She enjoyed her garden immensely and also loved camping in Midway.  Vi was thrilled when family members would join in and fill the campground.  She loved her dogs and cat and there was always one as a member of her family.

Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Vi was blessed by her giving and gracious heart. She had a sense of humor, quick wit and sometimes sassy spirit.  She definitely made you laugh.  Vi touched all of those around her and will be dearly missed.

Violet is survived by her husband, Milton Hepner, of 41 years; her children: Ray Werger (Dana), Randy Werger (Carol), Chris Garvin (Keith), Kathy York, Lawrence Werger and Pamela Maneval (Mike). She also leaves behind her stepchildren: Brian Hepner, Glenn Hepner, Rita Cook and Wayne Hepner and a very large extended family.  She is predeceased by her parents and two siblings.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation www.heartandstroke.ca.

A special thank you to Dr. Adrian Morris and the caring staff at Three Links Manor.

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