We Remember

MICHEL, Verna Beverley

—

1943 – 2022

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Verna Beverley Michel (Ellis). On February 22, 2022, surrounded by family, she lost her courageous battle with cancer.

Verna grew up on her family’s farm in southern Saskatchewan where she learned the values of hard work and perseverance as well as the meaning of family. She married young turning her attention to the nurturing and development of her three children. In 1973, putting her children first Verna separated and moved to the Okanagan to be closer to her sister Gerry and family. A few years later Verna and Richard reconnected, and in 1982 they married. For over 40 years Verna and Richard wrote their love story.

Verna embraced life with boundless energy, and joy in the everyday. Family and friends were everything to Verna who always had an open door.  No matter what she was doing she would take time to listen to others, share a coffee, a meal or some of her homemade baking or preserves.  Verna’s sincere and genuine interest in people and their lives made all who knew her feel special.

Verna loved whole heartedly and always took great pleasure in the lives and accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Throughout her life her concern was never for herself but for everyone else.

Verna is survived by her loving husband of 41 years Richard Michel, sister Gerry Schmidt (Clayton) – Kelowna, brother Gordon Ellis (Ila) – Leamington, ON; children Curtis Buck (Selina) – Calgary, Wendy Fayant – Calgary, Tracey Loney (Richard) – Kelowna, Wayne Michel (Deanna) – Regina, Sandra Michel – Dawson Creek, April Michel – Edmonton; grandchildren Brittany Loney, Kyle Loney, Erin Buck, Zachary Fayant, Richard Michel Jr., Laurie Michel, Kitara Swanson, Dillon Carroll, Jordan Cleal, Crystal Proctor, David McKay; nieces & nephews Tammy Hampson (Dave), Sandy Schmidt, Darin Ellis (Cheryl), Scott Ellis (Kristen); as well as many other extended family members. Verna was predeceased by her parents Glen and Olga Ellis, and brother Harvey Ellis of Weyburn.

Verna will be dearly missed by all and remembered for her strength, hope, kindness, compassion, and love.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Tara Sebulsky, as well as the amazing teams at Kelowna General Hospital (Thoracic, Respiratory, and Floor 4B) along with the staff at BC Cancer – Kelowna, for their professionalism and compassionate care.

A Celebration of Life for Verna will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 11:00 am at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna BC.  The family kindly requests that all attendees be vaccinated and reminds you that masks will be required indoors.

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 shortly thereafter.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to BC Cancer – Kelowna, www.bccancerfoundation.com, 399 Royal Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5L3, or the KGH Foundation, www.kghfoundation.com, 2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T2.

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

 

Service
Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 11:00 am

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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Service Information

Service Details


The service for MICHEL, Verna Beverley is scheduled for Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 11:00 am. 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

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • Darcia Krushen says:
    February 25, 2022 at 5:10 pm

    My heart is so broken 💔 to hear of Verna’s passing. The words in her memorial reflect exactly who Verna was as a human being, always had time for everyone and was genuinely interested in what you had to say. Always the first to offer to help with anything & everything putting others ahead of herself. To have Verna as a friend was an honour I will always cherish. Her family was her life and her remarkable bond with her sister Gerry was so very special. She touched so many lives, a tough but gentle courageous woman who fought a battle no one should have to fight. My life is better for having known Verna.
    Love & prayers to those who mourn her passing. Cherish the memories, I will ❤️

    Reply
  • Roxzan & Terry Ito says:
    February 25, 2022 at 5:40 pm

    So deeply sorry for your loss . Verna was so lovely kindhearted and will be missed dearly . Our deepest condolences. Roxzan & Terry Ito

    Reply
  • Bernadette & Ralph Davis says:
    February 25, 2022 at 5:47 pm

    To Richard and family, our most deepest and sincere condolences on the loss of Verna. Hold your memories close to your heart ❤️

    Reply
  • D Hampson says:
    February 25, 2022 at 6:36 pm

    Verna will be missed dearly, and had a heart of gold and was always there for her family and friends. Sending Richard and family hugs from Dave and Tammy Hampson and from Josh and Jared.

    Reply
  • The McInnes Family says:
    February 25, 2022 at 8:06 pm

    To Curtis, Selina and Erin,
    Praying for angels of love and comfort to surround you as you journey through this time of sadness and loss.
    Much much love,
    Teri, Farrell, Rachel and Becca

    Reply
  • David Myers & Laura McDonald says:
    February 25, 2022 at 8:42 pm

    Richard and Family, we are very sorry for the loss of one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to know for almost my entire life. I have never met anyone who was so positive and happy. Verna’s smile and laugh was so infectious and you could not help but have a better day when she was around. I still remember the excitement we felt knowing that we were going to “Richard and Verna’s house”. She was like a grandmother to me and I will always cherish our times together.

    Reply
  • Joshua Hampson says:
    March 1, 2022 at 9:29 am

    Throughout my teenage years, mostly every summer was spent visiting all my family in kelowna for a number of weeks nearly every year. It was filled with fun constantly and Auntie Verna was always a big contributor to the wonderful times I had there. She was really funny and had a very infectious laugh. I have nothing but great memories of knowing her and I’m grateful to have those memories. Sending my love to uncle Richard, Grandma and Grandpa and all of my Okanagan family who all loved her so much.

    Reply
  • Petronella says:
    March 1, 2022 at 11:26 am

    Sending deepest condolences to you Wendy and your family! Wishing and praying for God’s peace and comfort!

    Reply
  • Randy Michel says:
    March 1, 2022 at 11:56 am

    It was very Nice and Heart warming Service. Thank You All for sharing

    Reply
  • Tara & Chad Tollefso says:
    March 1, 2022 at 12:09 pm

    Curtis, Wendy, Tracy, Richard and all of Verna’s family – the service was beautiful, so fitting for such a generous lady. . May you find peace in your love and memories as she lives on in all of you. Love Tara & Chad

    Reply
  • Jared and Marie Hampson says:
    March 1, 2022 at 12:14 pm

    Auntie Verna was one of the most loving and caring individuals in my life. She helped teach me an appreciation and love of food, nature, and the world around me. The laughs we shared at the kitchen table at my grandparents house, her living room with family, will forever sit in my memory as some of the happiest Memories I have. We all love you and miss you.

    Reply
  • Carol Wilson says:
    March 1, 2022 at 2:34 pm

    My heart go out to Verna family and friends my many condolences to you all thank you for letting me watch the ceremony only met Verna few times she was a beautiful lady I will miss her Rest In Peace God Bless you all Carol

    Reply
  • Cathy Ashbaugh says:
    March 1, 2022 at 5:07 pm

    To Selina, Curtis, Erin and all your family – A lovely tribute to a very wonderful lady.
    Love you,
    Jim, Cathy, Austin, Brooke and Chase Ashbaugh

    Reply

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In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

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