We Remember
OTTENBREIT, Helen Deborah-Ann (née Simla)
—
1939 – 2020
So Much Laughter, So Much Love.
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother, Helen, on September 22, 2020, at the age of 81. Surrounded by her family, she went to heaven to join her husband Raymond; her parents Annie and Joseph Simla; sister Sophie McCoy; brother Allan Simla; and niece Shawna Simla.
Mom is survived by her sister Dianna (Ernie) Vetsch; her children: Melody (Paul) Kouwenhoven, Robin Ottenbreit, and Shannon (Paul) Campo; her grandchildren Nicole (Peter) Parrotta and Michael (Jamie) Kouwenhoven; her great-grandchildren Isaac, Elijah, Rowen, Asher, and Piper; as well as many other family members and friends.
Mom was born in the Crowsnest Pass in Coleman, Alberta. In 1946, and at the age of 7 she moved with her family to the Ellison area of Kelowna. Through friends, she met and married Ray Ottenbreit. They built a home in Rutland where they raised their family.
Mom loved her family. Any occasion that would bring the family together for food and visits were always a highlight for everyone involved. Many wonderful family memories were created around the dining room table. She surrounded herself with the love and laughter of those dear to her heart and these were wonderful memories for us all. Her giggle was infectious and would have you feeling better in no time. She was an amazing homemaker, cook, and artist. She had a love of music and singing.
A special thank-you to Dr. Linda O’Neill for going above and beyond the call of duty. We would like to thank the Kelowna Cancer Agency and Thoracic team doctors for the excellent care and support. We are forever grateful.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to BC Cancer Foundation would be appreciated, bccancerfoundation.com.
Mom, your love will be forever with us. God bless. “Good night, sleep tight, sweet, and magical dreams.”
A Service will be held to honour Helen, due to the current restrictions it will be by invitation only. However, the family would like to invite all who want to pay their respects to join by livestream on Friday, October 9th, 2020 at 10:30 am.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
THIS SERVICE WILL BE LIVESTREAMED/BROADCAST ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020 AT 10:30 AM
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Melody, Robin and Shannon for the loss of Aunt Helen. These are the times when we wish we had lived closer to our Ottenbreit relatives.. .We do remember Aunt Helen’s great sense of humour , her smile and her kindness.. It was one of our highlites of our trip out to Kelowna a couple years back to see her again. God bless you Aunt Helen and please say hello to Uncle Ray for us.
Thanks so much for your thoughts Rick and Ellen! We will definitely miss her. Take care and stay safe!
Dear Melody and family . I was so sorry hearing of the loss of your mom. My
thoughts and prayers go with you .
Thanks so much for your thoughts Cheryl. We appreciate it!
We are so sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. Our thoughts are with all the families. We so enjoyed are visits with Helen and Ray whenever we were in the Kelowna area. Helen will be truly missed.
Thank you for your caring thoughts! We really appreciate them! ❤️❤️
Bye Helen – as your loving, wonderful, caring soul flutters off to heaven I am so very blessed to have shared life with you. Such a muti-talented , special lady. Melody, Robin and Shannon take care of each other and pat yourself on the back for such an awesome job of caring for your mom. Another special angel watching over all of us. Much love and hugs – Aunt Bev xxxooo
Thanks so much Aunty Bev! Mom was definitely a special person! She watches over all of us now! Hugs to you!
To the whole Ottenbreit family as well as the extended family,
Helen was one of the friendliest, smiliest and most genuine people I have ever known. I will always have fond memories of many good times together with your family, and of course lots of Helen’s good food! You are all in my prayers as you go through the loss of someone so dear to you. Sincerest condolences, Chris Sladen
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers Chris!
Our Aunt Helen, was a beautiful lady who was very special to our family. She was always so kind and loving and we will miss her greatly. We will treasure the memories that she & Uncle Ray, gave us and will hold her dearly in our hearts. Our deepest of sympathy to our cousins, Melody & Paul & family, Robin, and Shannon & Paul. We our thinking of you all with lots of love and wish we could be there for all of you.
With all our love and God Bless, Scott, Laurel, Chelsey, & Travis
Thanks so much Laurel, Scott, Chelsea and Travis. Our memories and her love is getting us through this difficult time. We really appreciate your thoughts and caring, Miss you all!
I feel a great loss of a wonderful sister-in-law and I would like to extend my sympathy to Melody & Paul and family, Robin, Shannon & Paul, and Dianna & Ernie and family,
With all my love,
Uncle Alan
Thanks Uncle Alan! You had a special place in her heart! Our hearts too! We will miss her! Hugs to you from us all ❤️💕
Condolences to Robin (old school friend) and family. So sorry for your loss.