OLINGER, Wendy Catherine (née Hirtle)

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It is with heavy hearts and a whole swirl of emotions that we announce the passing of Wendy Catherine Olinger.

Wendy was a ray of sunshine, a light, a kind heart, and a force of genuine love, empathy, compassion, and gratitude. She poured her soul into whatever she was doing and loved life to the fullest. She never complained, and she always worked to see the beauty in each and every day. To Wendy, there was no person greater and no person lesser. She treated everyone equally and believed wholeheartedly in the goodness of the world.

Wendy passed away peacefully, holding the hands of her four children and her husband, and will be remembered for her witty cracks and humour right up until the very end.

Wendy was born in Kitimat, BC, and lived a life filled with curiosity, fun, and sparkle. She embraced a life of colour, laughter, and perhaps a little sass, humour, and wit. She loved the shock value of saying some of the craziest things, usually just to see the reaction on your face.

Wendy lived life to the fullest, without complaints or regrets. She always looked for the best in things and taught those around her that there is always someone worse off. No matter where she went, she flashed her beauty, both inside and out.

For Wendy, life was meant to be lived through colour, laughter, truth, and sparkle. She wore her heart on her sleeve and showed others that vulnerability was not something to hide, but a way to bring people together, to connect worlds, and to remind us that we all have our “things.”

Wendy was the most devoted Mom and put her kids at the very top of the mountain, doing everything and anything for them. She taught them so much, gave them a life full of love, memories, and values, and showed them the true meaning of FAMILY, LOVE, and connection.

But then… there is always a peak to every mountain.

And at the peak stood her knight in shining armour, the person who truly made her world complete.

After reuniting at a high school reunion, the two wonderful and fearless individuals fell MADLY in LOVE. What followed was a match made in heaven, with endless adventures, memories, laughter and fun. The two of them had their fairytale. They lived, they laughed, they loved, and they truly had it all. That silly Parkinson’s disease snuck in and changed the way things were supposed to unfold.  She didn’t complain for a second, nor let it hold her back.  They continued to live life to the fullest and to the best they could, each one doting on the other.  They never let their love fade.  Day in and day out, that knight was there by her side!

Those memories will be cherished forever.

Wendy lived most of her life in Kelowna, BC, with part of her life spent in the beautiful metropolis of Midway, BC. She loved her life as a librarian, but she also took on countless different roles within her local community and beyond. She was always taking on one more thing, doing something different, helping someone, or finding another way to make the world a better place.

Wendy was, without a doubt, one of the best cooks and bakers out there. She built a beautiful home with an open-door policy. If you needed or wanted a meal cooked, you could walk in at almost any time and be served one up with a smile, a whole lot of love, and definitely a good time tucked around a giant nook.

Wendy loved hiking, being outside, reading magazines, finding and trying new recipes, sewing, crafting, painting rocks, and thrifting. She found joy in the little things and had a way of turning ordinary moments into memories.

Wendy is survived by her devoted husband, Phil Olinger, and her four children:
Maya Drouin — Bryan and six grandchildren: Lexea, Kyenna (great grandchildren-Maverick, Harlow, Ajax), Destiny, Trinity, Amari, and Arnan.
Kai Turcotte — Danielle and two grandchildren: Fiona and Milo.
Kiera Schmalz — Brett and four grandchildren: Farrah, London, Von, and Blue.
Shayla Turcotte — fur baby Jayda and firefighter extraordinaire.

She is also survived by her three stepchildren, Krista Olinger, Lee Olinger, and Neil Olinger, and their families; her brother Rick Hirtle and his loving family; and her “Sista,” Gail Bengough.

Wendy touched the lives of so many people, leaving a little sparkle wherever she went. We send a giant thank you to all of our friends and family who, over the years, have been a part of our journey, our memories, our laughter, and our lives.

This is not goodbye.

I will see you again soon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s SuperWalk, which Wendy started here in Kelowna.

A Celebration of Life in fuchsia will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 1:00 PM (PDT) 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; 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 Details

The service for OLINGER, Wendy Catherine (née Hirtle) is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 1:00 PM (PDT). 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:

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Special Requests:

None.

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