We Remember

WASYLENKO, Iris

October 27, 1930 — November 15, 2024

Iris Catherine Wasylenko (née Karpish) of Kelowna, BC passed away peacefully at Sun Pointe Village care facility on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the age of 94.

Iris was born on the farm in Honeymoon, SK on October 27, 1930, one of 8 children. She attended Business College in Prince Albert and shortly after graduation in 1949 moved to Thunder Bay, ON to join her Aunt Marie. There she met Steve, and they were married in August 1951. Over the next several years, two children were born to Steve and Iris. Early years for the young family were busy and social – filled with picnics and parties, hockey, and piano lessons. Iris managed it all while working, eventually for 38 years, for the Income Tax and Unemployment Agencies as they were known at that time.

Iris had an open-door policy, often setting an extra plate or two at the table and making up a spare bed for a guest. She was a great cook and a prolific baker. Her cold room was full of beautiful jars of produce canned from the garden, and the number of birthday cakes created over the decades cannot be counted. Her creativity was evident in her knitting and her skills as a seamstress. Iris was a card shark – always willing to take your nickels at Pay Me.

She devoted many willing hours cooking in the basement of St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church to raise funds for the church she loved. Iris loved to sing and was a member of the choir at her home church and with the Prosvita choir.

She loved to travel, especially with a group of friends and family. Iris loved her “people”; it was often hard to know who was friend and who was family, as the lines were often blurred.

In later years, Mom faced life changing adversity and health issues with courage and grace. Our sincere thanks to those who cared for her with such kindness, compassion, and respect – most recently at Sun Pointe.

Iris is survived by her daughter, Diane (Barry) of Kelowna; son, Murray (Jennifer) of Toronto, ON; grandsons, David and Steven; and numerous extended family. She was predeceased by brothers Peter, Bill, and Buddy; sisters Mary, Lucy, Helen, and Olga; as well as some cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

We love you Mom/Baba, and we will treasure our memories of you forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to BC Cancer – Kelowna – Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

A Memorial Service will be held on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM (PST), at FAMILY CENTRE at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.

Interment to lay her to rest in Thunder Bay is planned for the future.

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

Service
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM (PST)

Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME - Family Centre

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BC Cancer - Kelowna - Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior and the Heart and Stroke Foundation Link: www.bccancer.bc.ca/our-services/centres-clinics/bc-cancer-kelowna, www.heartandstroke.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for WASYLENKO, Iris is scheduled for FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM (PST). 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 - Family Centre

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Sherry Shindruk says:
    November 24, 2024 at 11:15 am

    So sorry to hear. Loved the photo, it is how I remember her. I have great memories of Aunty Iris & Uncle Steve and the bar in the basement of the house in Thunder Bay. They were always so kind to us. Sending hugs and love from our family.

    Reply
  • Loralee Aldercotte says:
    November 27, 2024 at 1:12 pm

    We will hold so many happy memories in our hearts for you. You were my big Mama and a Baba to my kids. You always had a place in your heart and home for us. We love you and hope you and Mr. Steve are together once again.
    Love from Loralee, Tyler, and Amanda❤️

    Reply
  • Liz-Ann and Phil Reid says:
    December 9, 2024 at 5:46 pm

    Our deepest condolences to you and the family for your loss. Iris will be remembered for her wonderful laugh, kind heart and dedication to her family. Diane, my dear friend, Iris was so lucky to have you as her daughter. Sending Love and prayers to the family.

    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