La HAY, Bibiana (née Rehlinger)

April 4, 1958 — November 25, 2023

Born in Kelowna, British Columbia on April 4, 1958; passed away surrounded by family on November 25, 2023, at Kelowna General Hospital, she was 65 years old. She will continue on in our memories and will be forever missed by her beloved children: David, Greg (Lesley), and Stephen; nephew, Eric (Emily) Rehlinger, and niece, Crystal Rehlinger; as well as her siblings, Anthony and Mary-Ann Rehlinger; and all her other extended family members and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Anna & Toni Rehlinger.

Bibiana grew up in Kelowna and helped her parents with the family business. Which was an egg grading station (it processed eggs from over 100,000 chickens), the eggs were then sold and delivered to restaurants and stores throughout the Okanagan and Kootenays.

After graduation, she moved to Calgary, AB in 1980, where her first son David was born. Shortly after, she moved back to Kelowna to be closer to family and friends, and she gave birth to Greg and Stephen. After her boys were older, she went back to school to get a diploma in IT, and began working for Interior Health. She was able to retire from Interior Health at age 60.

Bibiana was passionate about music, she played the trumpet in school and learned piano at a young age, in which she continued to study in classical literature and eventually became a piano teacher. She loved to bring joy to people through singing, dancing, and music. She sang in a choir and was an international ballroom dance teacher. Not only that, but she eventually ran her own business called “Song and Dance Entertainment” where she DJ’d for weddings and parties and taught dance to people.  If it was music, dance, or singing related she wanted to be involved and shared it with all of those around her.

Bibiana would start new family traditions by taking her kids to anime conventions or going on cruises each year. Having her kids and friends around her was the most important thing to her. She would find events that would make her happy. Whether it be watching Anime Music Videos, or playing trivia on cruise ships. She created unforgettable memories with those who were around her.

Bibiana lived for her sons, they brought a smile and joy to her everyday, and she cherished them deeply.  Bibiana was always positive and optimistic, genuinely loving, caring, compassionate, and family orientated. Her family came before everything and was the most important thing to her. Some of the best memories of her are always when she’s with her family, there she could be seen smiling, laughing, making sure everyone is having a good time and that everyone always felt welcomed. She had an open door policy where the neighbourhood kids were always welcome to come over, and she treated them as if they were her own kids. She always wanted to help others and do things out of love for those around her.

Bibiana loved to bake, she was an avid baker and cake maker. She loved to make personalized cakes for special occasions, but more specifically for her sons on their birthday every year. Her cakes ranged from Jurassic Park, Batman, Spaceships, Winnie the Pooh and even wedding cakes. Every year was a new cake for her kids. She loved to see their faces light up as the cake was revealed during the party or event. She took over the traditions of Christmas baking from her mother Anna. Her baking was exceptional and everyone enjoyed it.

Bibiana lived by a few words:
Live: As though heaven is on earth
Laugh: Every day
Love: Beyond words
Dance: As though no one is watching
Sing: As though no one can hear you

Bibiana was a true treasure to those around her, and she will always be in our hearts.

Evening Prayers will take place on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm, at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.

A Funeral Service will be held on MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2023, at 10:30 AM, at ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1077 Fuller Ave, Kelowna, BC.

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