We Remember
HENFLING, Erika Hannelore Edith
August 31, 1952 — January 22, 2021
Our beloved Erika Henfling, 68 years, of Kelowna, BC, passed away at her home on January 22, 2021. She was cared for by her loving husband by her side. Erika’s memory will be cherished by her husband, James E. Burns. She was predeceased by her parents Herman and Else Henfling. Erika’s beloved brother Helmut Henfling passed away after her, on June 5 , 2021, and is buried in the family plot in Kelowna.
Erika had a rich and full 50-year career as a Library Technician at Okanagan College and received the Distinguished Service award from the President. Erika was loved and respected by all who met her, and students were often visiting her at her desk to talk to her. Erika’s career speaks for itself. She was an exceptional person in the truest sense of the word.
There are many who will deeply mourn her passing as hers was a life of love and compassion. May she rest in peace.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
I was so sorry to hear of Erika’s passing. She was unique, a force of nature. I worked with Erika at the library from 1980-87. We became friends, a friendship that continued long after I left Kelowna. I’d see her and sometimes stay with her when I visited Kelowna. In between we kept in touch by mail. She’d often send me local stories of interest. We lost touch in later years but I knew that she was still a valued member of the College library. Erika was a kind, gentle and thoughtful friend, who could surprise people with her strength of will sometimes!
My condolences to all who loved her. RIP Erika.
Madeleine Lefebvre (previously Bailey)
Rest in peace dear Erika. Starting out as workmates at Okanagan College turned into a 40 year friendship….shopping trips, lunches and dinners out. Will so miss her. I was blessed to have spent time with Erika the day she passed away….did not think it would be the last time I saw her…reminds us all how precious every moment is. My condolences and thoughts go out to Jim. Thank you for being by her side. It was a difficult year.
Wendy Hague
Erika was an institution in herself. All of us in the last 50 year history of the college had a chance to meet her and work with her. Lots of play also….Erika had a twinkle in her eye and a lovely crooked smile i will remember always.. We once held our staff support day in Salmon Arm campus and we were a team in an obstacle course…having to help each other over a clothesline….Erika got me to climb the tree instead! What fun to win!
Erika was a winner at Life, no matter how brief….I salute her spirit.
Erika was a kind, caring and compassionate human being. We were blessed to have had her as a sister-in-law. She will be truly missed by our family. RIP beautiful Erika.
My deepest sympathy to the family. As a classmate of Erika’s since grade school, even all these years later the thought of her brings a smile to my face. Such a kind and gentle person will certainly be missed.
I have many fond memories of Erik from when we both worked at the College. My sympathy to her husband Jim, who I worked with for years and to her family. She was a gentle soul. My she Rest In Peace.
My condolences to Jim and Erika’s family on her passing. She will always be fondly remembered.
Dear Jim, dear Helmut, we are so sorry to read of Erika´s passing away. We will always remember her in love. Our condolences to you from Willi, Helga and the family of Germany.
Jim – Diane any hearts go out to you. Erika was a great lady and everyone at the college will miss her.
My deepest condolences to your family. Erika was a wonderful person, who cherished her friends and improved the day of everyone around her. I met Erika while studying at Okanagan College in 2017. I got to work in the library and share many interesting conversations with her, She was so caring and optimistic. A truly pure-hearted person. She always kept in touch, shared news, and celebrated every accomplishment of her friends.
I hope you know how much Erika meant to me and to other students from the college, who will always remember her kindness. Rest in peace, dear Erika.
It was my great privilege to work with Erika for nearly 13 years. A more accomplished, dedicated, and loyal person cannot be imagined. She was a credit to herself, her family, and of course the institution she served so well for so many years.
She kept in touch with my late husband and me in latter years and I was always glad to visit with her when returning to Kelowna. She bore her illnesses with great dignity. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Erika was a kind and gentle soul with a huge smile whenever she saw you. Here is a photo from my most recent visit to Kelowna with my husband in 2014. We got to spend time and make memories with Erika and my dad, playing cards and touring the sites. Our condolences to my dad and everyone who loved her. She will be missed.