We Remember
SCHWEIGERT, Esther (née Kinzel)
October 10, 1925 — March 27, 2021
Mom’s work on earth is complete. Saturday the 27th of March she received an invite, an offer she could not refuse, an appointment from which she will not be returning. This opportunity comes with unbelievable perks of a reunion with family and friends she has not seen in decades and in time for Easter, her favorite time of year and to be with the Lord every day all day.
Our family is saddened and heavy hearted to acknowledge the peaceful passing of Esther on Saturday 27th day of March. Mom would have been 96 this year.
Esther is survived by her three daughters, Sheila, Bev, and Sandra and their families, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren as well as a sister, Clara and a brother, George.
Esther was born on October 10th, 1925 in Rosthern Saskatchewan into the large Kinzel family. She was the 10th child of 14, 6 girls and 8 boys. She loved to play hockey and softball with her brothers and sisters.
She married Rudy, sharing life with him raising three daughters until his early death at age 51. Mom was a widow at age 44. Work ethic was primary in her life. She did not adhere to gender norms. She was an accomplished Office Manager while caring for her home and children. Multi-talented she loved painting houses, fixing appliances and even helping shingle a roof. Never idle, she was an avid, lifelong seamstress making clothes for her family, knitting, crocheting as well as making quilts recycled from scraps of fabric and clothing, then donating them to charity. Always teaching and sharing she passed her knowledge on to her family. She always found time to volunteer at the Church Auxiliary, Hospital Auxiliary and also at the Food Bank. She loved her 69 Chrysler Newport and did enjoy travelling in her car.
Moving from Saskatoon to Kelowna in 1968 as an owner and manager of an orchard she could never quite accept the apples lost to decay when they fell from the trees. Her garden was bountiful after turning Glenmore clay into a fabulous garden that produced vegetables and fruit which she preserved to last the year. Her Jam Jam cookies, pickles and apple juice were particularly popular. Need I mention what a great cook she was too.
Her “Golden Years” focused on “making it work”. Having dealt with debilitating Rheumatoid Arthritis as a very young woman and mother she never let it define who she was. She followed her mother’s advice of not letting it beat you, meeting the world head on accepting life’s challenges with passion, determination and success. Her mother was instrumental in her life, teaching her honesty, frugality, sharing and as well as having strength through pain. These values were practiced daily and passed down to her three girls.
Even in poor health she emitted her strength as a matriarch. We will all miss her very much as we continue to follow her as our role model.
Charitable Donations in Esther’s name can be made to the Kelowna Food Bank, cofoodbank.com.
A Graveside Service at Lakeview Memorial Gardens will be held to honour Esther; due to the current pandemic restrictions it will be by invitation only. However, the family would like to invite all who want to pay their respects to join online by Livestream on MONDAY, APRIL 5, 2021, at 1:00 PM PDT (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
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The Kelowna Food Bank Link: cofoodbank.com
Condolences
We always loved the Kinzel family, even though we lived so far away.. The aunts were all strong willed woman and would do anything to help out. We are so sorry to hear of Esther’s passing and send our sympathy to all her family.. Love and prayers sent from Aunt Esther’s nieces and nephew from Niagara Falls, Ontario………….Marilyn, Carole & Gerry, Ken & Sheryl
Thinking of the family at this time. Aunt Esther was a beautiful lady and reminded me of my own mom, Anne,Esther’s sister. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have many great memories of Esther. May she enjoy reuniting with the family. Love sue
My deepest condolences to Sheila and all the family. It has been many years since we played together in the Mayfair neighbourhood but I clearly remember your mom’s beautifully polished hardwood floors. May she rest in peace and that your happy memories give you comfort at this sad time.
Your mother is forever loved, admired and cherished by many! She was an incredible example of living life well and ‘making it work’! Her legacy is her incredible family! She is forever in your memories shared! She has given you strength to live life to the fullest. From experience I know she is always with you.
As I am remembering all the lovely memories that I have with Grandma, I would like to post that one of her loves, the 1969 Chrysler is happy in Texas with me and my family here in Dallas, and for all that remember the car, here it is leaving Montana.
Deepest condolences to the family and loved ones on the passing of Esther, from her brother George, wife Mable, children Sharon, Daryl, Wayne and Val.
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. When I think of your mom I can see her with a big smile on her face. She was a hard worker who passed this ethic onto her daughters. She will be forever in your hearts and fondly missed.
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
Ester was the best sister a sister or brother could have. She was the best aunt that my kids’ nieces and nephews could have. Very kind, generous, and helpful, teaching me how to replace a parka zipper and then service my sewing machine, all this was while we were on the phone. A unique lady and never will be replaced. I miss my trail blazer.