Obituaries

HAVERKO, Samara

July 3, 2003 - May 26, 2021

Samara Haverko,17, died unexpectedly on May 26, 2021, due to a serious accident. She leaves behind a broken-hearted family: Her parents, Dawn Dionne, Mike Haverko, Leah Ratto and Chris Jefferies, her grandparents Richard Dionne and Renee Ratto, her siblings Paige Beaudry and Hunter Haverko, and her friends who were always at the heart of her, and were truly an extension to their family. Samara loved being a sister and loved her siblings fiercely. Samara had also left behind her beloved sassy old cat Alice, whom she took for sunset drives, and slept with every night of her life. Samara loved to read, and always did so curled up with Alice on her lap.

Samara had a loyal close-knit group of friends, and a one of a kind relationship with her mom (who they referred to each other as Lorelei and Lorelei). Those she loved, she did so fiercely and without constraint.

Samara was a KSS Owl, having been part of the KSS daycare for young parents as an infant. As a youth, she was part of the 4H program and loved working with horses. Always goal-driven, she worked two jobs throughout secondary school helping to pay for a Marine Biology class trip to Hawaii in her grade 11 year, a trip of a lifetime that she got to take with her best friend Emma. Samara also worked to save for university, which she hoped to attend UBC Okanagan this upcoming January for the Bachelor of Arts program. She wanted to become a writer.

Samara set a goal to complete high school early, which she accomplished having graduated in January, but not before discovering a passion for writing, this was found in two of her favorite classes, philosophy and journalism, also having been part of the staff of the KSS online newspaper. A gentle and kind soul with an independent spirit, she had truly begun to discover her potential.

The following is a quote from an essay that Samara wrote for her journalism class. The essay recalls when Samara was 6 years old and travelled the Pow Wow trail with her grandparents, who she called Mama and Papa. She writes about sitting under the stars with her late Mama, Penny Dionne, who teaches her about the stars. "Our loved ones who are no longer with us, live with the stars and are always watching us and protecting us from danger when the sun no longer guides us…. I always search for the darkest areas (of the sky), for that is where the stars shine the brightest."

She was loved, and was taken too soon.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com (click direct link below)

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/haverko-samara

Condolence Messages

Jun 12, 2021
My Deepest Sympathy to the Family & Friends. There are no words to express my sincere and heartfelt sorrow for the loss of your beautiful, amazing daughter, Samara. My thoughts & prayers are with you. I pray God will give you the strength courage, wisdom, comfort, grace, peace and love that you will need during this difficult time of your great loss. Samara touched many lives, cherish the memories and know one day you will be together again in God's Wonderful Paradise.

Peace and Love to All, Family, Friends, KSS 2021 Grads and Owls.

Loraine Shevchuk
Jun 10, 2021
Dearest Dawn and Richard,

Our hearts are heavy and broken. We are so very sorry you have to endure such unbearable sadness and loss. We will never forget Samara’s smiling face, happy go lucky personality and love for Tamara…. and the swimming pool :) Our thoughts, prayers and love to you and your family, Bobbie, Laurier, Amber, Tamara and Chantel.
Jun 10, 2021
Dearest Dawn, there are so few words to say to you, only because you are in so much pain, there are no words to comfort you in the loss of your beautiful daughter, Samara. I can only say, "She will be watching over you within your heart and up in the stars." From my family to yours, our deepest condolences for all the hurt you are going through. You and yours are in my prayers daily, I ask the creator to send you strength and comfort going forward. Much love sent your way. Love Mo & Family
Jun 09, 2021
We are so saddened and sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful Samara. Strength and love to her family and friends.

The McIntyre's
Jun 08, 2021
We are so deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter Samara. And her beautiful friends with her - how sad. Our whole community is heart broken and grieving with you. Sending much love and prayer during these very difficult days.

Myrt Duncalfe & family
Jun 07, 2021
Dawn. My deepest sympathy to you and the family. I was a caregiver at YPP when you and Samara attended. My heart breaks whenever I think of Samara and her friends being taken far too soon. May you see her in the stars

Kerry Waters
Jun 07, 2021
Dear Dawn

Sending you love and light, and blanketing you with prayers for your safety and comfort for you and your family.

Respectfully

Karen Chase
Jun 07, 2021
So sorry for the loss of your daughter, sister and friend Samara. Our hearts have been thinking of you.

Erinne, Justin, Riley and Neela
Jun 06, 2021
I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Samara, my Deepest Condolences to all the families, friends, and KSS OWLS our community is feeling your sorrow and sadness.I know the pain of losing a child, lost two sons.Half of your heart goes with them. The Heavens have gained a Beautiful Shining Star, and another Angel, gone far to soon, but may her Beautiful memories live on ,in your hearts forever.

My Love to All

Marlene Kish
Jun 06, 2021
From a KSS parent . My deepest condolences to you all . Take care care of each other . So sorry for your loss

Dave W
Jun 06, 2021
Dawn, the staff at Casorso Elementary was devastated to hear of Samara’s passing. She had a sweet smile and kind heart. We are thinking of you in this very difficult time.
Jun 06, 2021
Chris & Dawn my heart breaks for you in your time of grief. Gone but never forgotten. I will look for your star. Aunty Cathy Jefferies.
Jun 06, 2021
Dawn, I only met you a handful of times but you treated my daughter Mya Tomenchuk like she was yours...I'll never forget you coming to my house last year when I was in tears trying not to get over whelmed with college applications, etc...we are absolutely devastated for you and your family.

Leigh Arnott and Mya Tomenchuk
Jun 06, 2021
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies on the tragic loss of your beautiful daughter, sister, friend, family member. May the memories you share bring you comfort in the days ahead. Rest in peace Samara.

Sincerely,

Teresa and Fred Seidel, Kelowna
Jun 06, 2021
Sending our condolences. So sorry for your tremendous loss Dawn. Our hearts hurt for you, your family and Samara’s friends. Gayle and John Boisvert
Jun 06, 2021
My heart is broken for you and the loss of your beautiful girl. There are no words to express the sadness I feel in my heart for you. Please know that you are in my prayers. May you find comfort and strength in the love of this whole community as we feel this loss together. You are loved.

Sincerely,

Sharon
Jun 05, 2021
I look to the stars often, I will always think of sweet Samara. My deepest condolences to you Dawn. Shelley Yost and family.
Jun 05, 2021
Peace, love & prayers to your family as you journey without your beautiful daughter Samara …..I know the pain of losing a child too soon. She will be the bright star shining & guiding you. RIP Samara…… Sharon O’Flaherty, Kelowna.
Jun 05, 2021
My heart breaks for your family with the loss of your precious girl. Deepest condolences to you all. With love, Jackie Bolin
Jun 05, 2021
Chris and Dawn, tonight I will sit ‘neath the starry sky and look through the dark for the brightest star knowing Sam is protecting you and keeping you from danger and guiding you both with her legacy of love. Love mom and dad Jefferies
Jun 05, 2021
Dear Dawn and family,

Words cannot convey the shock and sadness that we feel with the loss of Samara. She was such a lovely young lady and we enjoyed getting to know her through 4H. Our heartfelt condolences to you Dawn, our thoughts and prayers are with you. She will shine down on you now, sending her love.

Melody and Paul Kouwenhoven
Jun 05, 2021
What a heartbreaking story. I share my condolences as so many Kelowna families do. May the precious memories of Samara stay with her family and friends forever. Heaven has claimed another angel far too soon. There are no words to express the extreme sorrow felt by so many.

Trudy Hurst
Jun 05, 2021
We are so sorry for the loss of your daughter and her friends.

Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to all of you.

Rest in peace Samara.

Sincerely Rick & Leslie V
Jun 05, 2021
We send our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of Samara during this unspeakable time.

May you all find strength and comfort in her legacy.

Chantel & Peter (Kelowna)
Jun 05, 2021
There are just no words to convey the sadness of this young ladies passing. May she shine as a bright star with her Mama for the world to see. Prayers and condolences to the family.

Fred & Bonnie
Jun 05, 2021
Dawn, I pray for heart healing in the loss of your precious Samara. Richard was so proud of her. There she is shining and sparkling in the heavens, never to be forgotten.

Joan Johnston

(formerly, Wendy Field)