SALI, Anne (née Reiger)

March 4, 1933 — January 9, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Anne Sali (née Reiger), a cherished mother, sister, auntie, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.  A truly beautiful soul, Anne embraced each year of her long life with grace and courage, peacefully departing just before her 92nd birthday. She leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth, deeply missed by her 102-year-old sister, Mary Runzer (née Reiger); her five devoted children Brian (Mona) Lorrie, Wayne (Laura), Rob (Rhonda), and Dale; ten grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Born in Grenfell, Saskatchewan, to Joseph and Evelyn Reiger, Anne was the youngest of fifteen children.  Her family moved to Kelowna when she was a young girl, where she would spend the rest of her life.  In her teen years, she met Ray Sali, a good family friend to her brothers, and over time, they fell in love and married when she was 19.  Together, they built a beautiful life and raised five children, surrounded by love, laughter, and the beauty of the Okanagan.  Until Ray’s passing in 1997, their 46 years of marriage were filled with cherished memories of camping, fishing, boating, waterskiing, snowmobiling, and numerous other family adventures – always after the orchard work was done, of course.

Anne was a woman of extraordinary strength and devotion.  She was a loving wife, a nurturing mother, and a hardworking orchardist who took immense pride in both her home and her family’s orchard.  Her garden flourished under her care, and her table was always full, welcoming anyone who entered with open arms and delicious food.  Whether it was freshly baked bread, cinnamon buns, or the best apple pies in town, Anne’s cooking was legendary.  Her ability to balance the demands of farm life with raising her children – often with a baby on her hip – was a testament to her boundless energy and unyielding love.

In her later years Anne found joy in the simple pleasures of life – reading, golfing, and growing her roses and vegetables.  Yet, nothing brought her more happiness than being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchldren, all of whom she adored.  Anne’s unwavering perseverance, kindness, and devotion to her family will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Anne touched the hearts of many, and her spirit will live on in countless memories she created.  She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 11:00 am, with Father Pat Monette presiding, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 750 Rutland Road N, Kelowna, BC.  A reception will follow in the Church Hall.  

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