We Remember
SHEPEL, Anna Maria
February 28, 1929 — March 31, 2026
With broken hearts we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Anna Shepel, on March 31, 2026, at the age of 98. She is survived by her children Lesia Shepel and Leida Tymchuk (Chris Grdina); and her beloved granddaughter, Natalie Tymchuk. Also surviving are her nieces, nephews, and their children in Winnipeg, Calgary and various parts of the USA. She was predeceased by her son-in-law, William Tymchuk, brothers Mykola Hawryliw and Michylo Hawryliw.
Anna was born in Kalush, Ivano Frankevska Oblast, Ukraine. Her early life and aspirations were disrupted by WWII, leading her to emigrate to Canada in 1948. After marrying, she and her family farmed in Manitoba until 1979, when they moved to Kelowna.
Our mother’s two priorities in life were her “girls” and her faith. She was a devoted and lifelong member and volunteer at her church, Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church. She joined the UWAC (Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada) in 1964 and held executive positions in the Savella Stechishen Branch, including president and various executive positions along with serving as president of the Provincial UWAC. She was a member of the Education and Culture Committee for British Columbia and a member of CYMK. She was the treasurer of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. She was the recording secretary for many years for the Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church. A great source of pride for her were the fundraising efforts to support her local parish that she was an integral part of organizing.
Anna was a humble, kind woman who lived her life true to her Christian values. Although she experienced great adversity in her earlier life, she was tremendously resilient and was able to get a great deal from very little. She will be missed tremendously.
We wish to extend gratitude to Brookhaven Care Home for their attentive care of our mother during her final days. Special thank you to Dancy Dowding of Mindful Care for her companionship to Mom over the years.
A Funeral Service, with Father Chad Pawlyshyn presiding, will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 12:00 pm at Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1935 Barlee Road, Kelowna, BC. Interment will take place at 2:00 pm at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, 2850 Dry Valley Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below).
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM PROVIDED BY STS. PETER & PAUL UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH: Click Here to View
Service
Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 12:00 pm
Location
Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church


Lesia, Ledia, Natalie – My deepest condolences to you for the passing of your beloved mother and grandmother. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending you lots of love and hugs, Your cousin Marie in Calgary.
Leida & Lesia, I’m so deeply sorry for the loss of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Your mom was such a loving and special lady and I know that she will live on through the love and wisdom that she passed on to each of you. Much love to you both, Joe