We Remember
Philpott, Hilda Gertrude “Trudy”
October 15, 1935 — November 23, 2024
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Trudy Philpott, age 89, on November 23, 2024 at Kelowna General Hospital, surrounded by family, after a short battle with cancer.
Trudy was predeceased by her parents: Alfons & Kathleen (née Sired) Wittur of Black Mountain; two of her brothers: Ray Wittur and Richard Wittur; brother-in-law Jim Chatten and sister-in-law Marilyn Wittur. Her surviving siblings are: Glen Wittur (Pat), Gordon Wittur (Loretta), Rosalie Chatten, and Laurie Hood (Gordon), plus sister-in-law Linda Wittur.
Trudy is survived by her five daughters: Cathy Philpott, Sherry Philpott-Adhikary, Jean Philpott (Ross), Ronda Fredrick (Doug), and Karen Ouwendyk (Peter); plus grandchildren: Kevin Villar (Josalyn), Carla Villar McIntosh (Jordan), Alexandra Adhikary, Andrew Fredrick, Brian Fredrick, Steven Fredrick, Jarod Ouwendyk (Nicole), and Adrianna Ouwendyk; also two great-grandchildren: Kaden and Kylie; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Born October 15, 1935 in Penticton, Trudy spent her early years in Penticton and Naramata, eventually moving to the farm in Black Mountain. She met Ronald Philpott, a logger of Joe Rich and they married on November 29, 1952 in Kelowna. Unfortunately, Trudy was widowed at 50 and has always said her daughters were a blessing, giving her a reason to go on living. In early years, Trudy was an active homemaker, often sewing matching outfits for her girls.
Trudy loved all her family and community, keeping in regular touch with everyone by phone and Facebook. Each year, she organized the family Christmas reunion party, so all the extended family could get together in a hall for a potluck meal and catch-up over the holidays. As one of her last acts of love, she organized the party for this year.
Recently, Trudy told us that this was her 72nd year living in Joe Rich, at the old Philpott homestead. She and Ron moved to Philpott Road right after they married, then into the original homestead a couple of years later. She loved to sit at the kitchen window watching the birds and other animals. Her home was her happy place where she welcomed friends and family alike for tea, baking, and a good chat. She will be missed by many.
Cremation arrangements are through Springfield Funeral Services in Kelowna. A Celebration of Life will be held later in 2025 with interment of her ashes with Ron at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
Cathy, So sorry to see your Mom passed away. It’s hard to lose a parent. Take care.
Maureen
Jean You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers….. Losing a parent is so hard and especially this time of year…… if there is anything I can do for you let me know….. much love and hugs are sent your way
Dear Jean, Sending you and your family my heartfelt condolences, and keeping you in my prayers.
I’m so sorry to hear about Trudy’s passing.
She was a lovely lady who I never saw without a smile and kind words. My condolences to Karen and her sisters along with their families on the loss of their mother. 😔
Sending our love. We will miss your Mom so much. Such a loving caring person. Our family will cherish all the many times of times spent together . She raised beautiful daughters and loved those grandchildren and great grandchildren so much.
Ronda and family. Condolences to you on the passing of your mother. Hugs to you all.
Love Aaron Young-Pinkney
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Trudy! I remember her for being so kind and welcoming! Hugs to your family.
Cathy… sending my sincerest condolences to you and the rest of the family. It’s heartbreaking to lose a Mom but thankfully you have fabulous memories of your time with her. Her legacy lives on.
With sadness at your loss ….
Dawn Gibson (Howe)
Karen and family I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. I don’t know your mom personally, but have seen her and all your family members for quite a while, She sounds like a wonderful mother Gr And great grandmother. And always had a smile. Sending love and thoughts to you and your family
Lynne & Don Smith from Alliston Ontario
To the family, I am so sorry for your loss, your mom was such a kind and loving person. She will truly be missed by everyone who knew her😢
So sorry to hear Sherry! I remember very young meeting your family on the philpott road cozy home and the horses. She was the sweetest
Sending love and light. Gran was a very special lady and will be greatly missed. Honoured to have been a part of many family gathers.
Our deepest condolences on your family’s loss. As childhood friends, Trudy always made her Joe Rich home welcoming. Your mother was a sweet soul and my mother, Doreen’s lifelong friend. Best wishes to you all,
The Smith crew.
Any time we were in the Okanagan, we enjoyed making a special visit up to Philpott Road to visit Trudy. I always admired her desire to live in the mountains and in recent years, I enjoyed the many stories about the Wittur family’s early days in Naramata, Penticton and Kelowna.
Trudy will be greatly missed.
Our sincere condolences at the loss of your Mom. She was a Joe Rich pioneer and we were proud to be her neighbor for so long.