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.