We Remember
RUNKA, Celia
April 30, 2024 — January 1, 1970
It is with heavy hearts, that the family of Celia Runka (Zitko) announce her death on February 6th, 2014 in Kelowna, BC. She was surrounded by daughters Shaundehl and Cayla Runka and her sister Gladys. Born on December 31, 1938 in Grand Forks, BC to Lucy and Joseph Zitko. Celia was raised in Beaverdell with her 4 siblings Rose (Roy) Byhre, Verona Hooson, Gladys (Jim) Rowlett and Danny (predeceased) Zitko. She graduated from Royal Columbian Hospital nursing program in 1960 and moved to Kelowna to work. She shared her daughters with Gary Runka and was proud of grandson Marek (Cayla), the light of her life. Celia dedicated 27 years to community home care nursing in the Rutland, Oyama and Mission/SE Kelowna areas. She was widely known and admired for her professional, compassionate and caring nature. Celia retired in 2001 to enjoy the sunny Okanagan and her garden. She will be missed by her family and many friends and colleagues whom she taught by example to give selflessly and to always care for those around you.
A Memorial service will be held Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 1:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Kelowna S.P.C.A. www.spca.bc.ca/branches/kelowna/ or the Arthritis Society of BC, www.arthritis.ca/BC , or the Central Okanagan Hospice Association www.hospicecoha.org/ . If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 1:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Share with Others:
Kelowna S.P.C.A. or Arthritis Society of BC or Central Okanagan Hospice Association Link: www.spca.bc.ca/branches/kelowna/, www.arthritis.ca/BC, www.hospicecoha.org/
Service Information
Service Details
The service for RUNKA, Celia is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 1:00 pm . 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.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Our deepest sympathy to Celia’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Gladys,
Thinking of your during this sad time.
You have been a dedicated and caring sister
Shaundehl and Cayla, you may not remember me, but I was your babysitter many years ago. It comes with great sadness to see that your mom has passed away. I met up with her about a year ago at the grocery store and she was telling me how you girls were doing. Many years have gone by but I do have very fond memories of your mom and both of you girls. I would often cancel plans when your mom would ask me to babysit because you were such great girls to look after. My thoughts go out to you – Always hold onto the wonderful memories of your mom. She really was a wonderful lady!
Sheri(Stone)Keller
Dear Gladi,
We never met Celia, but have long admired your devotion to your family, always, always putting their needs before your own.
It’s hard to understand why some people have to suffer so much, but we know that her suffering was eased because of you.
Rest a bit yourself now, knowing that you can be very proud of yourself for doing all you possibly could for her.
Viv & Ross
Gladi,
We never met Celia, but have long admired your devotion to your family, always, always putting their needs before your own.
It’s hard to understand why some people have to suffer so much, but we know that her suffering was eased because of you.
Rest a bit yourself now, knowing that you can be very proud of yourself for doing all you possibly could for her.
Viv & Ross
Dear family
It was one of my most fondest experiences to have been supervised very tenderly by Celia when she mentored me in home care nursing long ago. I saw her a few years ago and it made my whole day. I adored her. May you feel her close by smiling at you
My deepest sympathy to Celia’s family – Gladys, I am so very sorry that you’ve lost your sister. You’re in my thoughts.
Jenny
Gladys,Rose and Verona
We were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your sister, Celia. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Ian & Joan
Dear Shaundehl,Cayla and Marek, Glady, Rose,Verona and all the family. Celia was a shining light and she will be missed.Thank you for sharing her with all of us, we were better for having her in our lives.What wonderful caregivers you are! Now she is at peace.Hugs to all. Jacki M
Our deepest sympathies to Celia’s family. She will be fondly missed by so many including us. May you be blessed with an abundance of strength and support during this difficult time.
Fondly,
Robert & Diana Anderson
Sincere condolences to the family.
From Richard & Martha Person
Cayla & Shaundehl,
Its been many years so I’m not sure if you remember me as the granddaughter of your mom’s neighbour and friend, Lillian Bramwell (aka “Nan”) when she lived on Bath and Nan was across the alley on Osprey. Your mom was there when Gramps passed away and was a kind, caring and good friend to Nan after he passed. I have fond memories of the two of them gossiping and laughing over coffee at the dining room table and hope they are enjoying each other’s company again.
Thinking of you and your families and wishing you all the best during this difficult time.
Kari (Campbell) Headley
Our deepest sympathies go out to Celia’s family.
Laurel and I know Celia as an intelligent, caring, person with a great sense of humor.
I will always remember these fine qualities possessed by the young lady that I accompanied to the Greenwood High School Graduation Dance.
We will miss her.
Deepest condolences to your family.
Sincerely, Cynthia Lambrecht
Dear Shaundehl and Cayla,
Thinking of you both during this sad time but remembering your mom with such fondness. Although only a brief few years, while you were kids, she was so gracious with me and I admired her so. Our condolences and wishing you well.
Al Smith kelowna.
My thoughts are with you and your family Cayla at this difficult time. I hope the thoughts of all the beautiful moments that you shared with your dear mom bring you some joy as you celebrate her life, with friends & family at your side.
Dear Shaundehl and Cayla,
I would like to express my deepest condolences to you and your extended family.
I`ve always thought of your mom Celia as a hard-working, caring and loving single mom. With much wisdom and integrity.
I have many fond memories of times spent at your house. And will always feel grateful toward you two and Celia for welcoming me into your home and sharing so many meals and wonderful times with me, back in our high-school days. Although Celia was, understandably, somewhat intimidating and stern toward me when I first came around. I soon got to know her and respect her wisdom and sense of humor.
Regretfully I was unable to make it in person to show my respect to the family of such a wonderful lady. Please know that my thoughts and love are with you.
Colin