August 29, 1937 - February 18, 2019
On February 18, 2019, we lost our beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother, Alice Wapple (nee Stephens). Born August 29, 1937, in Vernon, BC, Alice is predeceased by her husband George Wapple, and parents Edith and William Stephens. Alice was a dynamic woman.
Her unique achievements began before the age of five, by which time she was winning trophies for dance competitions, while at the same time, dancing and entertaining war veterans. As she put it, she was doing her part for the war effort.
Raised and married in BC, Alice gave birth to two children in Vernon before moving to Saskatchewan where she had four more children. All six children were born within five years. Though home life was always busy, Alice still managed to be very active in her community in Hudson Bay.
She taught dance lessons to several children, choreographed dance routines, made creative costumes for dancers, and planned performances. She also organized and taught swimming lessons for children in her town, and wrote for the weekly town newspaper. Alice was also involved in figure skating as a judge and President of the local Figure Skating Club. She even sewed creative costumes for her children for skating shows and competitions.
Alice was very well known for her delicious homemade spudnuts, and enjoyed baking buns and cookies for her children, their friends and neighbours. She was generous and never put limits on the products of her labour.
During the second half of her life Alice enjoyed living on Okanagan Lake. She was always welcoming to company and loved having her family and friends around to visit and enjoy "the cabin" and lake with her. She loved animals, especially dogs, and was a 'Mom' to many pets throughout her life. She definitely had a 'green thumb' and enjoyed gardening. She also loved to read, knit and sew.
During her few last years, Alice suffered with dementia. Although her memories began to fade over those years, her children rallied together and stayed close by her side. This difficult time caused her family to reflect on the loving and remarkable woman Alice was, and made them really take note of the many significant accomplishments she attained throughout her life.
Alice will be deeply missed by her six children, Cindy (Bruce) Bernakevitch, Elaine (Robert) Poley, Jerry (Valerie) Dyck, Sherry (Allester) Bradbury, Jeffrey (Kari-Dale) Dyck, Tim (Wendy) Dyck, 15 grandchildren and, so far, 14 great-grandchildren. Alice dedicated so much of her time and energy to her family, always staying positive and faithful to them. Her sense of humor, energy and accomplishments will never be forgotten by her family nor by the countless lives she touched.
A celebration of Alice's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the SPCA.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's on-line obituary @ www.MyAlternatives.ca. Arrangements entrusted to Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services R Vernon 250-558-0866 & Armstrong 250-546-7237.
