Mendel, Theresa (Rehlinger)

September 26, 1928 — September 10, 2011

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, Oma, aunt and friend.  Theresa passed away peacefully on September 10^th, 2011 surrounded by the love of her family. She will be sorely missed by her husband of 60 years Hans; her two sons Robert & James (Donna), her daughter Jackie (Dave Pattison) and her grandchildren Cassandra, Harrison, Thomas and Griffin and by many relatives, friends and people whose lives she touched.  Theresa is predeceased by her father (Joseph), her mother (Katherine) and her sister Katherine Roth (Rehlinger).  Theresa was born on September 26, 1928 in Batschka, Palanka, Yugoslavia and immigrated to Canada (Kelowna) with her family in 1948.  Just prior to leaving Europe she met Hans and they corresponded by letter for three years before meeting again and marrying on March 26, 1951 at Immaculata Conception Church in Kelowna. Hans and Theresa settled in Winnipeg for ten years before returning to Kelowna to be close to their extended family.  While raising their children Hans and Theresa ran a business downtown, the Kelowna Tobacco Store.  Theresa’s life centered around her family; nurturing them, cooking and baking for them and providing them with sound advice.  She loved her home and her garden and took pride in providing a place for her family and friends to gather.  Theresa was especially proud of her grandchildren and loved to have them over after school; talk with them and prepare their favourite snacks.  Theresa will be remembered for volunteering her time, talents and leadership skills to raise money for the needy, the church and the hospital.  She worked tirelessly baking pies & cookies; organizing bake sales; washing, ironing & preparing clothes for the needy and knitting blankets for the poor.  She was a member of the Catholic Women’s League for 59 years and volunteered with the KGH Auxiliary for 18 years. Theresa proudly set and lived an example of faith, charity and hard work.  She will be deeply missed by many and forever in our hearts.  The Mendel family would like to thank Dr. Chris Livingston for his years of caring and the Palliative Response Team.  In lieu of flowers donations made be made to the KGH Hospital Foundation.  Prayers will be recited Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 7:30 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road.  A Mass of Christian Burial will held Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 10:30 am at St. Charles Garnier Parish, 3645 Benvoulin Road.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.