We Remember

SPERLING, Velma Patricia (née Casorso)

April 14, 1929 — February 26, 2026

Velma Patricia Sperling (née Casorso) passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, at the age of 96.

A long-time resident of Kelowna whose roots in the region stretched back generations, Velma was born on April 14, 1929, in Kelowna—the daughter of Peter and Alice Casorso, members of one of the area’s early Italian-Canadian families. Growing up on Pioneer Ranch on Casorso Road during the challenging years of the Depression, she learned essential skills such as cooking, baking, canning, and preserving from her family, especially her beloved Aunt Peg. These homemaking talents became central to her life and a beautiful expression of her love for others.

In 1948, she married her husband, Bert Sperling, and together they built a life grounded in faith, family, and hard work. They raised six children while actively participating in local life. Velma was deeply involved in her community, volunteering with the hospital and contributing her time and care through the Catholic Women’s League and the Kelowna Riding Club. Her generosity and willingness to serve reflected the quiet strength and compassion that defined her character.

In 1985, Velma and her daughters Karen & Marie and good family friend Colleen Armeneau opened Pioneer Country Market, which became a cherished gathering place known for its homemade baking, preserves, and warm conversation. For decades, the market reflected Velma herself—welcoming, generous, and full of heart.

Velma was predeceased by her beloved husband Bert; her parents Peter and Alice Casorso; and her five siblings, Betsy O’Shaunessey, Joyce McDonald, Norma Barker, Garth Lanfranco, and Ken Casorso.

She is lovingly remembered by sister Linda Lanfranco and her six children: Douglas Sperling, Susan Richardson, Karen Sperling, Marie Sperling, Ann Sperling, and Joan Stepler and their spouses, as well as 19 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren, who were her pride and joy.

Velma’s legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the traditions she preserved, and the community she helped nourish. She will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, faith, and the simple joy she found in bringing people together around good food, laughter and love.

The family would like to thank Karen and Marie for their special care of our Mom these last few years of her life and the care givers at The Vineyards Residence.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Vincent de Paul Society.

Funeral Mass will be held on TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM (PDT), at St. Charles Garnier Parish, 3645 Benvoulin Rd, Kelowna, BC V1W 4M7. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service, 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”.

LIVESTREAM Provided by St. Charles Garnier Parish: (to be added closer to the service date)

Service
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM

Location
St. Charles Garnier Parish

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St Vincent de Paul Society Link: www.ssvpokv.ca/donate

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for SPERLING, Velma Patricia (née Casorso) is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

St. Charles Garnier Parish

3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 4M7

Phone:


Special Requests:

None.


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