We Remember

ZUPET, Ivanka “Iva” (née Vesel)

January 25, 1931 — June 26, 2024

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Ivanka Zupet, of Kelowna, BC, on June 26, 2024.  She passed away peacefully at the age of 93.  She was born in Loški Potok, Slovenia, on January 25, 1931, to Janez and Alojzija Vesel.

Left to treasure her memory are her son Ed (Margo); daughter Valerie (Barry); grandchildren Selina (Chris), Michelle (Alex), and Lance; nephew John; sister Ani in Slovenia; and extended family members in Canada and Slovenia.  She was predeceased by her husband Slavko; grandson Dallas; and her sisters Tončka, Mimi and Karla.

Ivanka’s early years growing up in Slovenia in the depression and WWII were hard.  Because her mother was widowed when Ivanka was young, she went to work to help support the family, starting with a job cutting down trees in the bush, then in a sawmill.  This hard life helped make her tough and strong.  This was the foundation that gave Ivanka the resilience to build a new life with Slavko and Ed in Canada, taking all the hardships in stride.  And, despite the adversities, she was always grateful and cheerful.

Mom was one of those unsung heroes, never seeking credit or accolades, but working tirelessly in the background, sacrificing for the benefit of others.  She believed in giving of herself for the good of others and was truly an example of selflessness.  Mom’s example of service and love is her greatest legacy.  For years, she gave to the Slovenian Canadian Association in Edmonton, cooking in the kitchen for events and billeting guest performers.  She worked both inside and outside the home.  A traditional wife and mother, her work was never done, yet she managed to soldier on with resolve, strengthened by her faith – which she held true all her life.

Family was the most important to mom; she always put family first.  Whether it was a casual visit or a special celebration, having family together was mom’s joy.

Mom enjoyed singing and dancing.  She was an amazing cook and baker, whose skills were celebrated by all who had the pleasure of experiencing the food she made.  When she turned 60 years young, she courageously attended an adult literacy program, where she flourished.  She loved writing in prose and poetry, expressing her gift through imagery.  Mom loved being in nature and especially loved trees and sitting on the balcony watching the birds at the bird feeder.  She looked forward to going out for coffee every day and always liked to be nicely dressed in a coordinated outfit.

Mom’s Slovenian maiden name was “Vesel” which means happy, cheerful, and joyful; and she was all that.  In addition to having a great sense of humour, she was positive, caring, and kind to others.  She touched the hearts and lives of everyone she met.  Mom was liked and respected by all and will be fondly remembered for her words of wisdom, her ever-present beautiful, loving smile, and her positive attitude that brought sunshine and good will to others.  She will be missed by all who knew her.

You’re an inspiration, Mom…
Handling life’s ups and downs with a mix of
grace and strength that’s so truly your own.
I don’t know how you did it sometimes, but I do know what drove you…
Love.  Love for your family.  Love of life and all the good it holds.
And trust that love and faith would see you through.
Whatever came, you just kept moving forward,
and proving time and again that strength is beautiful…especially on you.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ivanka’s name to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Both the Prayer Service and the Celebration of Life will be held at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.

Prayers: Wednesday evening, August 21, 2024, at 6:00 pm (PDT).

Celebration of Life: THURSDAY MORNING, AUGUST 22, 2024, at 10:00 am (PDT).  If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below); a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.  A reception will follow.  

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

LIVESTREAM:

Prayer Service
Wednesday evening, August 21, 2024, at 6:00 pm (PDT)

Service
THURSDAY MORNING, AUGUST 22, 2024, at 10:00 am (PDT)

Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME

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the BC Children's Hospital Foundation Link: www.bcchf.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details

The prayer service for ZUPET, Ivanka “Iva” (née Vesel) is scheduled for Wednesday evening, August 21, 2024, at 6:00 pm (PDT) at located at 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.


The service for ZUPET, Ivanka “Iva” (née Vesel) is scheduled for THURSDAY MORNING, AUGUST 22, 2024, at 10:00 am (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Richard Hutniak says:
    July 25, 2024 at 2:52 pm

    Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Zupet Family. Mrs. Zupet was such a kind and beautiful lady.
    God bless the family and watch over them during this most difficult time. Stella Velikonja, Richard & Doris Hutniak

    Reply
  • Frank Zidar says:
    August 22, 2024 at 10:11 am

    Our Condolences to the family. Ivanka was a great and kind host when people came out to visit and at events. Always a smile and a laugh when she was around people and a great cook and made sure everything was perfect. Also a great voice in the Slovenian Choir. God bless the family and help them during this difficult time.

    Reply
  • Lillian M says:
    August 22, 2024 at 12:15 pm

    My sincerest condolences to Val, her family, and the rest of the Zupet family.
    As the days continue to pass, I hope that you will all find comfort and support in your friends and family. And may the wonderful memories of your beautiful Mother, will you carry through this difficult time.
    Warmest regards, Lillian.

    Reply

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Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke