We Remember

KAPLUN, Olga

August 24, 1929 — May 31, 2026

On Sunday, May 31st, our mom (Oma) left the bounds of Earth and passed to her heavenly home. Olga Kaplun (née Bettig) was born on August 24th, 1929, in Berestowiec, a rural village in the Rivne Oblast of western Ukraine (which was Poland at the time of her birth). She was the middle child of Reinhold Bettig and Lydia (née Wittmaier). Her older sister Elfriede and younger brother Henry were not only her siblings but her life-long friends, all of whom predeceased her.

Growing up in a rural area, Olga was charged with herding the animals and taking on other farming responsibilities. In the evenings, she would knit clothing for her family, as her mother would spin wool on her spinning wheel. Like other rural children, she was educated in a one-room schoolhouse.

In 1939, the innocence of youth ended as her family was forced to leave their family home to escape the military advances of World War II. Over the next six years, the family was displaced numerous times, being resettled in both rural and urban locations. Ultimately, the family ended up in Germany. In 1948, the family boarded the Aquitania in South Hampton and sailed to Halifax. From there, they boarded a train bound for Winnipeg.

It was in Winnipeg that Olga found the love of her life, Adolf Kaplun. The two were married on December 22nd, 1951, enjoying just shy of 70 years of marriage, when Adolf predeceased her in October 2021. They were blessed with three children, Bernie Kaplun (Brigitte), Rolf Kaplun (Dori), and Rose Murray (Randy). In 1963, the family moved to Kelowna, where Olga took on many roles to help support the family. She worked with Adolf in his construction business, later she was employed in a packing house, then sewed draperies in the family business, and finally worked as a baker.

The family marveled at her boundless energy, working full-time, entertaining friends on weekends, and still maintaining a large garden while keeping the home spotless. She was always prepared to welcome guests into her home. There was always fresh baking available and time for coffee. Olga was a woman of faith who was devoted to her church community (Grace Baptist Church), where she volunteered as a Sunday School Teacher, the women’s auxiliary leader, choir member, and as a deaconess.

Olga will be missed by her family. She leaves behind her children; her grandchildren: Stephanie (Noel), Becky (Grant), Emily (Mitch), Jacquie (Dane); step-grandchildren, Chris (Annina) and Nolan; as well as her great-grandchildren: Caleb, Hannah, Averie, Tessa, Woody, Addie, Enzo, Luca; step-great-grandchildren, Robin and Aidan.

The family would like to thank Dr. Harris, Dr. Hoppe, and the medical teams that cared for Olga in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Kelowna Hospice House.

A service celebrating Olga’s life will be held on Monday, June 15th, 2026, at 10:00 am (PT), at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view in 3-5 days.

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

LIVESTREAM provided by Springfield Funeral Home:

 

Service
Monday, June 15, 2026, at 10:00 am (PT)

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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The Canadian Diabetes Association or the Kelowna Hospice House Link: www.diabetes.ca, hospicehousekelowna.com

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for KAPLUN, Olga is scheduled for Monday, June 15, 2026, at 10:00 am (PT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

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