Obituaries

KLASSEN (NEE FAMILINOW), Bernice Patricia

July 3, 1938 - February 16, 2021

Bernice Klassen, 82, returned to her heavenly home on February 16, 2021, after a long and valiant battle with cancer.

Her firm belief in God and the love from her family gave her strength in the hardest of days. Bernice was born to the late Peter and Norma Familinow, in Kelowna, BC, on July 3, 1938. Bernice was blessed with a large and loving family – she often quoted Psalm 127:5, "Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of [children]." Bernice is survived by five of her children: Dennis (Edina) Klassen, Jim (Rachel) Klassen, Doug (Brenda) Klassen, Roberta (Gerry) Deleurme, and Liana (Burke) Sanbrooks; 19 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and her sister, Tudy (Cal) Fortnum.

The family would like to express their gratitude towards the staff at Kelowna Hospice House and the staff at Springfield Funeral Home for their compassion and care during this difficult time.

A Funeral Service will be held to honour Bernice, due to the current pandemic restrictions it will be by invitation only. The family gratefully declines flowers and donations, but prayers, condolences, and memories are gladly accepted. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/klassen-bernice-patricia-nee-familinow

Condolence Messages

Mar 07, 2021
Jim and the Klassen family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know what a wonderful woman your mom was from your stories and from the kindness of your own heart. May she Rest In Peace and may your happy memories help carry you through these difficult times. With deepest sympathy, Paul and Donna Rabbit
Feb 20, 2021
Dennis, Jim, Doug, Roberta and Liana. I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. We grew up together as teens in the 50's and young mothers in the 60's. The door to her home was always open and the coffee pot on. Your Mom was creative and fun with a light hearted personality. We shared lots of fun times together growing up with our growing families. Just last week I was looking at pictures of us and friends all dressed in Oliver Jackson's Indian costumes for a dance at Winfield Hall -- one of many memorable times. Do any of you remember a family day at a McKinley Beach cabin -- 6 Klassen kids, 5 Nicholas kids and 4 Spletzers? 15 kids under the age of 10. It was wild. More good times were had when your Mom and Dad bought South Kelowna Store and you lived here in the community. A highlight in their life was early retirement and time spent in Quartzite, Az. "God's Greatest Gift -- Memories". May they comfort you in days ahead. Sincerely, in sympathy and friendship, Donna Nicholas and family.
Feb 20, 2021
Dear Family I am so sorry to hear of this news. Ive known Bernice since grade eight at school. Very caring kind fun Friend and I will dearly miss our daily visits. My Prayers for you all . Donna Church.
Feb 19, 2021
To Jim and the Klassen family, my sincere sympathy on your loss.

Pam Nicholas
Feb 19, 2021
I'm going to miss mom's hugs. She would never let me go without her living hug. So so sorry to hear she's gone.

Andy AGT
Feb 18, 2021
Jim and family. We were so sorry to hear about the passing of your lovely mother. Love and hugs, Carla and Dean Temme.
Feb 18, 2021
My deepest condolences to you Jim and the entire Klassen family

My thoughts and prayers are with you

Darren McClelland
Feb 18, 2021
Very sorry my cousins, Time goes by never seem to see enough of each other over the past few years i usually would see Aunty one to two times a year whether a family function or irrigation blow out time. If you got to spend some time and remember i can always see her knitting or crafting something, fishing in the upper lakes, and why did she always catch the fish? i remember so much of the Ponto road days when i was a young adult that just made me happy to visit with everyone that might have been there. Take the time to use your heart to guide you as a family and reflect the great gift you had with your Mom and my Aunty Gary Klassen
Feb 18, 2021
The bond between mother and child is a special one. Moms stay in a very special part of our hearts even after they pass. As we hear of your loss, we are reminded to be grateful for the time we have with our own mother in this life. Our mothers have been such a blessing in our lives, and they continue to bless us even now and in the future. Be kind to yourselves and take care if each other during this difficult time. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs to all of tou; Donna, Louise, Sharon & Brad Boutin.
Feb 18, 2021
Leanna and all the klassens so sorry to hear about your mom she will always be with you in heart and Memories Mike and Bernice Boutin
Feb 18, 2021
My condolences to all of Bernices family as I have known them all for many years I will miss your moms e mails as we kept in touch that way. Jean Bigler
Feb 18, 2021
Dennis, Edina and the Klassen Family

I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and my sincere condolences

Lori Carter
Feb 18, 2021
Very sorry for your loss, our hearts go out to the whole family, Todd & Paddy Nelson
Feb 17, 2021
So sorry for the loss of your Mom. My heart aches for your family.

Marlys Roshinsky-Cooney
Feb 17, 2021
Jim sorry for your loss to you and your family .Henk and Tina Van Den Eerenbeemt
Feb 17, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Roberta - it us so hard losing our mothers!

Dale and Pauline Draper
Feb 17, 2021
Jim Klassen sorry to hear about your mom. Colleen Browning
Feb 17, 2021
So sorry for your loss Jim, Dennis and family. She will always be in your hearts. Take care of each other. Sincerely Dwayne and Crystal Kinney ( Grochowich)