Aug 21, 1938 - May 3, 2018
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our loving mother and grandmother Louise, on Thursday May 3rd, 2018, surrounded by her family at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
Louise was born on August 21st, 1938 in St. Boniface Manitoba to Joseph & Stephanie Maresse. She attended school and grew up in Winnipeg where she met and married her husband of 57 years, Al Lypchuk. In the early years Louise worked at Great West Life until the birth of her first two children, Glenn and Lauren. In 1960 Louise and Al moved to Regina where their third child, Rod was born. Family always came first for Louise, being at home with her children in their younger years were some of the happiest times in her life.
In 1967 the family moved to Vernon where Louise worked alongside Al in the operation of their business "A & L Irrigation". When the business was no longer in operation, Louise worked in several different retail venues. Louise was active in many groups and activities. She became a volunteer with the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary in 1977 where she remained an active member for the next 41 years. Louise spent many years as a volunteer with the Vernon Winter Carnival; first as a member of the Queen's Committee.
In 1978, she had the opportunity to chaperone Queen Silver Star on her trip to Japan as an ambassador of the city, province and country. Her next volunteer position with the Winter Carnival was on the Visiting Royalty Committee, helping facilitate the many activities the young visitors participated in. Louise also enjoyed serving as a member of the Lions Club with Al.
In the late nineties, Louise joined Al on trips to the Ukraine; where she was able to explore aspects of her heritage and share the stories with her family.
Louise was one of the longest surviving Type-1 diabetics in Canada. As a result, she was the recipient of a prestigious honor, awarding her with a gold medal and beautiful painting for her remarkable achievement. Special thanks to Dr. Maureen Clement from the Vernon Diabetes Clinic for her years of care. Throughout her life Louise remained devoted to her family and to her life-long cherished friends.
Louise leaves behind her loving children: Glenn (Michele), Lauren (Ward), Rod (Sandy); her grandchildren: Scott (Dawn), Alyson, Jordan (Elisha) and Daniel. Ward's children: Colin (Maggie), Robin (Kyle) and Darby; great-grandchildren: Toby, Alex, Linden, Liam and Charlie. Louise is leaving behind her cherished sister and true best friend Carol and Carol's husband Jay. She also leaves behind her siblings Laverne, Pat (Bill), Georgie, Randy (Rhonda), Keith (Kim), sister- in law Rose and numerous extended family members. Louise was pre-deceased by her husband Al, her parents and her brother William.
The family would like to thank the nursing staff in the I.C.U. for their exceptional and compassionate care, Drs. Martyn and Yacyshyn, the Community Care Nursing Team and staff at Orchard Valley.
The family requests you join them in a celebration of Louise's life on Saturday June 16, 2018 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at Schubert Centre, - 3505 30th Ave. Vernon, BC.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Louise's name may be made to Diabetes Canada (diabetes.ca) or to Cycling without Age, Vernon & Coldstream Chapter (laurenlypchuk@gmail.com)
Louise's family and friends will miss her love and devotion.
Arrangements have been entrusted to PLEASANT VALLEY DIGNITY FUNERAL HOME, 4303 P.V. Road, Vernon, B.C. V1T 4M4 Phone: (250) 542-4333. Condolences may be offered at pleastanvalleyfh.com
Pleasant Valley Dignity Funeral Home