Archives for February 1, 2021

In Loving Memory Of
Diana Helen Zakall
Setember 15, 1943 – January 27, 2021

On January 27, 2021, at the age of 77, surrounded in love, held by her Daughter, Leasa, and Husband, Maurice, Diana Helen Zakall (nee Marsel) passed away peacefully as the snow fell in Oliver, BC. After 4 and a half years, she celebrated beating cancer this summer, an incredible accomplishment and proving to all the strength and resilience she had. The extent of her love given throughout the years was present around her and received through her connection to Spirit. She was celebrated as she was welcomed home by her parents, brothers & sisters, and many friends and family.
Diana was born on September 15, in 1943 in Olalla, BC, to Annabelle Labounty & Frank Marsel. With 14 siblings, she was raised being a self reliant, loving, and nurturing woman. When she was a teenager, she met the love of her life at Steele’s swimming hole on Island Road. Last October, together, they celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary, with a love that could heal all.
She is survived by her Husband, Maurice, her two sons, Richard (Brenda) & Shawn (Brenda), and her daughter Leasa (Randy) Conley, her 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, as well as 5 sisters and 2 brothers.
Diana was a best friend to all who knew her, more than a sister, a mother, an aunt, a grandmother and great-grandmother; she held everyone in a very special place in her loving heart.
With an ever expanding family, she was always a phone call away to dish out any extra love. Finding any reason to celebrate, her home welcomed all. The aromas coming from her kitchen would draw you inside, and the joy of her laughter would keep you there, in the home that love built.
Everyone will remember her a little differently, as she cheers us on and celebrates our victories.
Forever held in our hearts and expressed through songs, her legacy will live on in the many passions she shared with all. Diana will be remembered be everyone who was lucky to love her.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com

 

 

July 20, 1925 – January 25, 2021

It is with deep sadness that we announce Lousia’s premature death due to complications of the COVID-19 virus at Sunnybank Care Centre in Oliver, BC.

At 95.5 years of age, and despite significant decline in recent years, she still displayed zest for life.

Louisa was predeceased by her parents, Charlotte and Garnet; her only sibling, Arthur; her husband of 46 years, Stephen (1994); and her grandson, Alex (2017). She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her three daughters, Virginia, Elizabeth (Keith) and Vicki. She also leaves behind three cherished grandchildren, Max, Nolan, and Vanessa; four great-grandchildren; three nephews, Alan (Meg), Derek, and Ivan (Jacquie); sister-in-law, Doreen; and cousin, Lorne.

Louisa was born in Vancouver and attended Hastings Elementary and Britannia Secondary Schools. She completed the VGH Residential Nursing Program, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1946. She soon became an Assistant Head Nurse at VGH. She stayed at home to raise her children, later returning to nursing at VGH and then for the Victorian Order of Nurses (Public Health).

She worked as a helpmate to her husband as his career progressed including assisting with many charitable works. In the late 1960’s they sponsored an East Indian family escaping the terrors of Uganda. The Stanfords retired to Oliver in 1978 and Louisa worked in McKinney Place Extended Care part-time for 6 years. We have been told that she was highly respected by her co-workers and a joy to work with. Retirement activities with Steve included travelling, square dancing, gardening, and fishing.

Louisa was special – smart, energetic, and witty. She excelled at everything she tried – knitting (including socks for the war effort while still in high school), crocheting, sewing, quilting, vegetable and flower gardening, and flower arranging. She loved entertaining with her own gourmet menus and smiled confidently for the camera. She loved seeing birds at her feeders and cultivating indoor plants. She was a voracious reader and had an eclectic music collection. She especially enjoyed live concerts. CBC radio, PBS Television and Knowledge Network were favourites. Louisa was always thinking of others – what to quilt, plant, can and dehydrate, sew, and then gift to friends and neighbours. She supported many charities. Her courage enabled her to overcome cancer twice and return to independent living after a major stroke.

Such a thoughtful, adventurous, capable, and industrious life cannot truly be told in this brief life summary. Louisa was a gentle and wonderful soul. She will always be in our hearts.

Daughters Elizabeth and Vicki are grateful for the presence of their older sister, Virginia, at their mother’s bedside for her last few days, facilitating final communications with them, despite the hazard of COVID19 and the self-isolation following. A warm thank-you to Sunnybank staff for their care of our mother for the past two years and for her final days.

No service will be held. Louisa was a very practical person, so in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a charity of your choice. We hope you will revisit your memories of Louisa and celebrate her life in your own way.

Condolences may directed to the family through www.providencefuneralhomes.com

LOCAL COUPLE AIDS SEARCH & RESCUE

Oliver/ Osoyoos Search and Rescue (OOSAR) have had a good start to 2021 by being $2000 richer, thanks to the generosity of a local couple. Ernie and Kathie Westphal of Osoyoos, felt the desire to contribute to something meaningful in the community and search and rescue fit the bill.

“We know that search and rescue is made up of volunteers and funds are always needed for equipment to help others,” Kathie said. “We read about OOSAR in the media and thought this would be a good place to make a donation,” she added.

The Westphal’s are keen on being a part of community giving and believe that it is important to help local groups that can benefit the community at large. “I figure it is better to give from a warm hand instead of a cold one,” Ernie quipped.

OOSAR spokesperson Brenda Arychuk said “we are most grateful for this very thoughtful donation from the Westphal’s. It will go into a fund for a key item that we really need.”

“This year, we are saving for an updated version of our suburban that is over 25 years old. We need a reliable vehicle that is also better suited to safely transport our search dog when tasked by the RCMP,” added Arychuk.

Oliver/ Osoyoos Search and Rescue consists of 30 volunteers who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Members are professionals who provide their time, their own gear and their dedication and expertise at no cost to the community, and to the subjects they rescue.