April 17, 1927 - January 1, 2020
The Fipke family regret the passing of their beloved mother Anna Emma Fipke on new year's day at the age of 93. She is survived by her three sons Charles Edgar Fipke, Wayne Clifford Fipke, Neil David Fipke and daughter Carol Ann Fipke, plus 13 Grandchildren, 23 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great Great Grandchildren.
Anna was born April 17, 1927 in Hay Lakes, Alberta and married to Leonard Edgar Fipke June 29, 1945. Leonard's father had passed away whilst Leonard was attending the University of Saskatchewan and Leonard had to discontinue his studies to attend to the family farm. Shortly thereafter Anna was married to Leonard and had their first son Charles Edgar Fipke July 22, 1946.
Anna skipped two grades in school and was naturally artistic helping Leonard in his aerial picture business by oil painting over black and white photographs. Many farms in the Okanagan and elsewhere in B.C. will have old-treasured photographs painted by Anna.
Charles remembers " Anna as 100% loyal to her husband from marriage to death. She was my number one supporter in life so her passing is catastrophic to me."
Anna loved to travel and was able to visit many places worldwide. Some of her visits included: Egypt, Greece, Yemen, Israel, Jordan, England, France, Italy, Hawaii, Lexington, Nashville, Graceland, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Costa Rica and Mexico.
Anna was a true matriarch and one of the strongest women we ever have known, always embracing a challenge and never complaining about adversity. She treasured her children and cherished every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Grandma and would cook wonderful meals every Sunday for her family that always ended with her homemade pie.
Anna had a quiet calmness about her that could put even the most fiery of personalities at ease. She was gentle, kind and steadfast.
Her presence was hard to explain and now, her absence even harder. Her second son Wayne says "she said her whole life was caring for her family and she did a wonderful job."
Mother's belief and hope was to be resurrected to a paradise earth and to be reunited with her loved ones.
Because of Covid-19 only nine family are allowed at her burial in Peachland. There will be an online zoom service-ID: 88325986090, password 128910, on Saturday at 2 pm given by the Kelowna Jehovah's Witnesses. All denominations are welcome. A celebration of life service is intended to be announced when Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com