We Remember
KORNELSEN, Mary
July 9, 1933 — October 2, 2024
Mary Kornelsen was born July 9, 1933, left us quickly on October 2, 2024, and is safe with her Heavenly Father.
She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Peter Mervyn, son Ted, and daughter-in-law Martha. Mom will be lovingly remembered by daughters, Judy (Clarence) Friesen, and Joan (Tim) Sittler; sons Gerry (Jacquie) and Wayne (Brenda); sixteen grandchildren; and twenty-four great-grandchildren; and siblings Rosella, Elizabeth and Harry.
Mom was born in Hepburn, Saskatchewan, and moved with her family to Chilliwack, BC when she was 12 years old. Mom and Dad were poultry farmers in Chilliwack and Armstrong, BC, and enjoyed many years of RVing together with family and friends. Mom will be remembered for being practical and precise and enjoying a good laugh. Over the years, she was involved in Church music, playing the piano up to her final days. She was accomplished in sewing and quilting, playing table games, and keeping up with her precious family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Okanagan Valley Gleaners Society, 4405 – 29th Street, Vernon, BC, V1T 5B7, email novgleaners.org.
A Graveside Service will take place prior to the celebration of life, at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, 1991 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, BC.
A Celebration of Life will be held on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PDT), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service, a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PDT)
Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC
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Service Details
The service for KORNELSEN, Mary is scheduled for FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2024, at 1:00 PM (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
We’ve known Mary for a comparatively short time having moved into the same housing complex a year ago. What a privilege to have had this time to share many special moments together – in the dining room, the halls, the apartments, and activity sessions, but especially the hymn sings as she played the piano. She was deeply loved by all and Bob felt a special kinship as they played their piano and violin duets. She so often mentioned the care and concern of her family for her well being. What a blessing to have shared her life for a brief period on this earth. We look forward to continuing when we meet again in our heavenly home.
Bob and Cherry Affleck
We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of a special friend and send our condolences to the family. I so appreciated Mary’s friendship in the years after Ed passed away and enjoyed our times of playing games, sharing and praying together. I have missed her since moving to Winnipeg.
Dear cousins, in their latter years, I recall my dad speaking fondly of his phone conversations with your
Mom. She was always an encouragement to him. Especially meaningful to me is your mom’s last personal visit to dad in our basement suite shortly before he passed.. In the months following my dad’s passing, your mom’s frequent ‘check ins’ via phone and encouragement cards were very appreciated, as I was feeling ‘orphaned’. Our loss of parents here on earth, are their great gain, their hope of glory fulfilled. God’s peace and comfort to you all.
Love, Don and Sylvia
Although I haven’t seen Mary in person for some time, I valued her as a dear friend in church will miss her in my heart.
I did not know Mary that well, but as we met in various spots at common areas in our senior’s living residence, I came to admire her gentle, warm, and unassuming nature. She always greeted me with her beautiful smile and kindly remarks. I particularly enjoyed the personal story she shared during a story telling activity. With some shyness, she told how she was able to complete one of the quilts she had made which were to be given to each of her 16 grandchildren upon reaching their 21st birthdays. She had run out of fabric but despite obstacles caused while traveling with her husband was able to purchase some from an unlikey location on the road. trip. What perfect keepsakes for her cherished family.
I’ll miss her presence but remember her gentle and humble spirit. My condolences to all family and those who knew her well.
Frances