POWESKA, Rhonda Lana

March 20, 1964 — April 19, 2024

On April 19, 2024, in Kelowna, BC, Rhonda Poweska (née Meisner) passed away in hospital holding her daughter, Kiana’s, hand.

Rhonda was born on March 20, 1964, in Beausejour, Manitoba, she went to Whitemouth elementary school and to high school in Selkirk, Manitoba, going on to specialize in graphic arts after graduation. She followed her love of art in her professional quests, working in a print shop before moving out west. There, Rhonda had a successful career in the fine papers industry as a sales professional. Once her baby girl, Kiana, came into the world she put her professional career on hold to devote her efforts to her family as they moved around BC, from the Lower Mainland to Rossland, where her “golden boy”, Luke, was born. She so loved family time, playing games, making snow forts, and watching the kids tear up Red Mountain Ski Hill.

Next came a stint in Hudson’s Hope, where Rhonda made lifelong friends; her home became the gathering place for dinners with friends and family, which always included a lot of laughter. This is where Rhonda also leaned in to her inner caring and volunteered with the restorative justice program, helping others through troubling events. She could also be seen at the ice rink watching Kiana figure skate and Luke learn to play hockey. Living in the North brings a great sense of community and these were happy years for Rhonda.

The next move was back to the Lower Mainland, living in Pitt Meadows, where Rhonda continued with her community work and began looking after others in a care home in Maple Ridge. For those that knew Rhonda, they knew she had a passion for caring for others. What really lit up Rhonda’s world was her children, whom she loved dearly. They were her everything. This was further exemplified through the birth of the ‘baby girls’, her granddaughters Ariella and Mira. Her caring heart and fun-loving attitude knew no bounds when it came to her granddaughters. From letting them tear her house apart with art supplies (or play with Play-Doh) all over her living room, she embraced each moment with open arms and a smile on her face.

Rhonda will be remembered for her witty sense of humour, her big smile and guttural laugh. She had a knack for finding the funny side of life, and boy, could she crack a joke! Her wit was as quick as lightning, and you couldn’t help but laugh along with her. “Rosy P” always saw the world in a positive light and believed the best in people and situations. She kept art as a part of her life; whether it was dabbling with paints, getting lost in the world of arts, or tending to her beloved garden where every bloom had a story to tell.

And oh, music! It wasn’t just background noise for Rhonda. You could always find her humming along to her favourite tunes, letting the melodies carry her away to happier places.

Rhonda is survived by her children, Kiana (Nicholas) and Luke; grandchildren, Ariella and Mira; her mother, Sandra; her father, Al (Connie); and her siblings, Brooks, Lucille, Jacki, and Kurt; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Rhonda will always be in our hearts and in our memories as we think of that big smile, the twinkle she would get in her eye, and the chuckles she would have at her own jokes. We love you Rhonda, and we hope you are finally at peace.

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