Obituaries

BRAUN, Jane Diane

April 11, 1943 – March 11, 2023

It is with sorrow and love that we mourn the passing of Jane Diane Braun (née Biffart), of Kelowna, BC, on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the age of 79 years. She passed peacefully from complications of Alzheimer’s; her long struggle has come to an end, and we will miss her dearly. She is especially remembered by her husband of 59 years, Leonard Braun; son, Jason (Brigit); grandchildren, Cole (Asha), Jaydn, and Hope; as well as by her brother, Gerald Biffart; numerous nieces and nephews; and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, all of whom experienced her love, warmth, and kindness.

Jane was born April 11, 1943, in Lafleche, Saskatchewan, and she grew up on a farm in nearby Woodrow with her parents and brother, Gerald. After completing high school in Caronport, Saskatchewan, she attended business college in Medicine Hat, Alberta, where she learned the skill of bookkeeping which she would put to good use for the rest of her life. She met her husband, Leonard, on a blind date, and they were married in Medicine Hat, Alberta on November 2, 1963. Throughout much of their lives together, Jane did the bookkeeping and office management for many of Leonard's business ventures, including the Kelowna Auction Dome.

Jane was a much-loved member of her family and community. She was known for her kindness and gentleness and was always available for conversation, a hug, or a kind word. She enjoyed serving her neighbours; she and Len would open their home and host regular coffee hours to whomever dropped by. Jane served up hot coffee and baked goods for her neighbours for 35 years! Additionally, Jane and Len’s home was a favourite stopping place for visits by many friends and family over the years. She enjoyed her church community, where she sang, taught Sunday School, and served as president of Kelowna Christian Women for a time. She also volunteered regularly at the MCC Thrift Store.

Jane's second home was Yuma, Arizona. She and Len spent 14+ winters there and created friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

Her pride and joy on this earth was her son, Jason. She was his biggest fan in all of his life's endeavours, including going to his many baseball games and tournaments and supporting his work in Christian ministry. She additionally treasured the opportunity to be a grandmother.

In her spare time, Jane loved gardening and tending to her flowers. Her baking was amazing, and Len says she was “the best cook ever!”

Above all, her faith and love for Jesus was the most important thing in her life. She actively shared her faith with friends, relatives, and strangers. So, now we give her back to her first love, and we rest in the knowledge that she is of sound mind and body, fully restored and whole in the presence of her Saviour. She was predeceased by her parents, Albert and Martha Biffart; sister-in-law, Sybil Biffart; and unborn twins, with whom she is now joyfully re-united.

We thank the doctors and staff at Village at Mill Creek in Kelowna for all their kindness, concern, and assistance to Jane and the family during the sunset of her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Mennonite Central Committee Canada (MCC), mcccanada.ca

A Celebration of Life will be held on FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2023, at 2:00 PM, at Willow Park Church in Kelowna, BC (439 Hwy 33, Kelowna, BC, V1X 1Y2). 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.

To view the Livestream/recording or send the family condolences, please visit her obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com (or click the direct link with her name in it, just below).

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/braun-jane-diane/

Condolence Messages

May 10, 2023
Len & Family

So sorry for your loss. We are original owner of Black Mountain Auto Repair. Len & Linda Waege - Linda Waege
May 10, 2023
Dear Len. On behalf of your step-sister, Alma, we want to extend our deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful wife. Specifically, Alma so fondly remembers all the good family times spent on your acreage. You and Jason & family have been and continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. - Ken and Evelin Mueller
May 10, 2023
Our condolences to Len & Family, It has been some time since we last seen her, Always had a lot of respect for her. Very nice lady.

Rene & Irene Dureault - Rene Dureault
May 10, 2023
Our deepest condolences Len, Jason and family. Although we have not seen Jane for many years, we remembered her lovely smile and kindness. We had tasted Jane's lovely baking at coffee times in her house at Crawford Estate. May God give you strength and peace to cope with this difficult time . Arthur & Pearl Lo -
May 09, 2023
Our thoughts are with you as you say good-bye to your lovely wife, mother and grandmother. She was an awesome Christian woman with a great sense of humour who supported many ministries in the church. May God comfort you all and give you His peace. With love and prayers, - Rick and Pat Good
Apr 16, 2023
Dear Len and Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief. May the peace of Jesus bring solace to your sorrows. I have such wonderful memories of Jane from my younger years and may your memories bring you much comfort in the days to come. - Darrell & Marlais Smith-Ross
Apr 08, 2023
My deepest sympathy to you Len, Jason and family. Jane brought a lot of joy to many lives including mine. As my best roommate at Caronport High School and a blessing throughout my adult life, I will always treasure the memories of my beautiful friend for her love; many talents; kind, caring and fun nature.

It's a relief to know that she is now fully experiencing the great love of the Lord she loves and a comfort that we will meet again one day. - Rachel Sitko
Apr 07, 2023
Our memories of Jane are her beautiful smile and hospitality. We were privileged to know the Braun family as neighbours in Kelowna in the 80’s. We send Len, Jason, Brigit and family our love and May tge memories of Jane bring you joy and peace. Love Edie and Garry - Edie And Garry Sawatzky.
Apr 04, 2023
Her path has ended in Heaven rejoicing with The Lord thrilled having her in His presents. My condolences to Len , Jason and families. May He give you comfort when you are missing her loving ways. Hedi and Frank - Hedi Zoller
Apr 03, 2023
My sincere condolences to Len and the family.

Jane was a real gem in our community. May you find comfort and peace in your memories.

Marion Bremner - Marion Bremner
Apr 02, 2023
So sorry to hear of Janes passing our hearts go out to you Len ,Jason & family .

Karin & Perry Jesske
Apr 02, 2023
Sincerest condolences to Len, and Jason, and their families. Many fond memories of having coffee with Jane under the walnut tree. May she be comforted now in the arms of the Lord. Rich Forster and Helen Sparks - Richard Forster
Apr 01, 2023
Len and family. Thinking of you, sending our most sincere condolences and Love. Big Hugs to You Len.

Kathy and Brian Casorso - Kathy and Brian casorso
Apr 01, 2023
Len and Jason so sorry to hear this news. I remember helping at the auction dome and Jane paying me and my brother with chocolate bars! Later in life being able to stop by the farm any morning for coffee and something freshly baked. She was a great host. Thinking of you in this hard time. - Steve Kraushar
Apr 01, 2023
Len, Jason and family we are so sorry to learn of Jane's passing. Whenever we think of Jane we will remember that she was always smiling and happy. A very friendly and welcoming person. May she rest in peace, perfect peace. - Ron & Pat Reiter
Apr 01, 2023
Please accept my condolences Len, Jason and family. Although I hadn’t seen Jane for several years I will never forget her engaging and friendly personality.

Rick Pushor
Apr 01, 2023
Len, so very saddened to hear about Jane’s passing. Hoping that wonderful memories of this vibrant, smart, and caring woman are predominant!

Our thoughts are with you and yours!

Eric and Linda Schlichting - Eric and Linda Schlichting
Apr 01, 2023
Our deepest condolences to you, Len and to your family.Jane will be missed.

Harvey often shares stories of times past and enjoyed the coffees shared over the years.

Thoughts and prayers to the entire family.

Harvey Pomrenke and family - Harvey Pomrenke
Apr 01, 2023
Jane was a friend of mine for a long time. She was beautiful, hospitable, kind, and it was hard to watch her health change the person that she was .She has a new body now and will forever be with her savior whom she adored!

Ruth Penninga - Ruth Penninga
Apr 01, 2023
Dear Len and Family

My deepest sympathy to each of you in the loss of your beautiful Jane. Len I remember well as that journey with Alzheimer's began and you would stop by the office (SEKID) and chat. I could tell how much you loved her and how many wonderful memories you had both made over the years. May God give you and your family strength and peace in the days ahead.

Hugs, Jo-Ann - Jo-Ann Redlich
Apr 01, 2023
Len & family. Sorry to hear about your loss. Our sincere condolences. - Bob Marleen Knoblick
Apr 01, 2023
So sorry to hear of your loss, we loved visiting you and Jane, and forever grateful for introducing us to the Yuma lifestyle. Our thoughts are with you at this time Len and your family as well. I always admired Janes beauty, you were a lucky man!

Rick and Karen Hoskins - Rick and Karen Hoskins
Mar 31, 2023
A bright light in our family is now even brighter with Jane sitting at the feet of Jesus. We mourn our loss but we'll all be together again in a happier place. Will miss you and look forward to the family reunion. - Pat, Bentley and family.
Mar 31, 2023
Our heartfelt condolences Len and family,we so enjoyed our many visits over the years in Yuma and always felt so very welcomed as we shared a few laughs.May loving memories ease your loss and bring you comfort. - Bruce & Elly Zozman
Mar 31, 2023
Dear Len & Family

My sincere sympathy for your loss of your beautiful wife, Jane. We will miss seeing and fellowship with her, but her struggle with Alzheimer's is over now and she is with her saviour.

Love Manley & Bonnie McCorkell - Manley McCorkell
Mar 31, 2023
So sorry to hear of your loss my sincere condolences. My prayers to you and your family Len. My God's live overflow you . Sheila Ploschnik - Sheila Ploschnik