Obituaries

WHITTLE, Glenda

February 15, 1958 ~ March 25, 2025

Born in Kamloops Hospital, Glenda joined her parents, Syd and Doris Whittle and 2 siblings, Lorraine (now married to Gerry Crosby) and Alvin Whittle (Joanna), who were living in Avola, B.C. Avola in 1958 was an unpaved, a lot of times a one way only, winding road that took a full 5 hour drive into Kamloops.

Glenda had a few good weeks of life until her mom noticed something was wrong with her legs. At a 6-week checkup, it was discovered that she had no hip sockets so would never be able to walk without medical intervention. Not too long after that, Glenda was diagnosed with congenital hydrocephalus with the prognosis that she would not live past 3 years of age. With that news, her parents took her straight to the home of Pastor Phil and Jennie Gaglardi who prayed for her.

The family soon moved to Kamloops to accommodate all her medical needs. At about 6 months old, with the fluid on her brain not progressing, she was put in a cast from her waist to her ankles which took 2 years to produce hip sockets. She also spent a couple weeks in hospital with pneumonia each early spring for 2 or 3 years in a row. At 5 years of age, she trotted off to kindergarten. A year later, the family moved to Kelowna. She attended special classes at Central Elementary School and later finished school at Sunnyvale.

In June of 1971, the second Canadian Special Olympics were held in Toronto. Glenda, at age 13, went with a small team and a couple of chaperones to compete in track and field. She had the honor of carrying the Olympic Torch, which was featured in the Kelowna Daily Courier.

Glenda always loved sports, spending May long weekends cheering for the Rutland Rovers. She and her parents had season tickets to local hockey - the Rockets were a favorite. She liked bowling and was very good at it. She enjoyed her job at McDonald’s for a few years until her health started giving her problems.

Glenda lived with her parents until they were in their late 80’s. After she had a hospital stay, it was clear that she needed alternative living arrangements. She then moved into a home share with Wilf and Sandy Bennett, who were a special gift from God. Sandy soon became Glenda’s “buddy.”

Glenda was always quiet and sweet to everyone. She loved babies and dogs. She would let her arm go paralyzed rather than move a baby sleeping in her arms.

Glenda is also survived by her nieces, Lindsay Denham (Jeff); Shanti Handley (Lance); and Shayla; and their children and grandchildren.

Special thank you to Diane Elliot, her faithful tea and donut date; also thank you to Jordan Oostenbrink for arranging the home share. Thank you both for your enduring interest in Glenda to her last breath. Thank you to Lois for getting Glenda out to hockey games Thank you to Chris and Mhey and Charlie for their neighbourly friendship and many special holiday celebrations together.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the home of Sandy Bennett at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to First Memorial Funeral Services, 1211 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299

Condolence Messages

Apr 21, 2025
Our hearts go out to Lorraine and Gerry and family. Glenda was a very special person, and, we will miss her.

Joan and Don - Joan Ramsay
Apr 21, 2025
I am so sorry, Lorraine, to hear of your loss. Life’s difficult times are hard, and continue to challenge us. May you keep your love for your sister close to your heart.

With sincere sympathy, Marjorie (Chaplin) Beales - Marjorie Beales
Apr 16, 2025
Our heartfelt condolences to Lorraine and Gerry and the whole family on the loss of Glenda , a sweet and special lady. While her absence leaves a real loss, there is comfort in knowing she is now resting in the arms of the Lord, together with her mom and dad. May God comfort you at this time of loss and may Glenda’s memory be a blessing to all who knew her - Paul and Janneke Smith
Apr 16, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Glenda's passing. I met Syd, Glenda and Sandy at Springvalley Care Home where I worked for a time. Glenda was always coming over on the weekends to spend time with her dad, watching sports on TV. They were my favorite buddies to hang out with while I worked.

I was always in awe of Sandy and her husband. Their kindness, generosity, and patience were beautiful to witness.

My condolences to Lorraine, Al and families. Glenda was a special lady, and I was privileged to know her and call her my friend. Rest in peace sweet lady. - Jackie the Greeter
Apr 16, 2025
I remember watching our parents bowling with Syd and Doris. Glenda was also there. She was always so quiet and good. Unlike us Koga kids running around the building. Your parents were so amazing with her. Our deepest sympathies at this time.

Sincerely Janice Richardson, Carol Koga and family - Janice Richardson
Apr 15, 2025
Heartfelt condolences to Lorraine, Al and families. She was a very special person. - Ed Mitchell
Apr 15, 2025
It was so fun taking Glenda to Rockets games. She would stand and cheer every time they scored. So cute. She always looked for our friends, Linda and Ron Vandelinde, and not just because they treated her to dinner but because Glenda was social. She also looked for Jerry.

When we were leaving the games Glenda would often say “Let’s go get a beer and find some cute boys.” Her sense of humour was infectious. I’m honoured and happy to have spent time in Glenda’s precious life. The Rockets have lost their biggest little fan.

I am honoured and happy to have spent time in Glenda’s presence and be a part of her precious and joyful life. - Lois Rix
Apr 15, 2025
I remember Glenda from special Olympics in Kelowna. She always had a smile everytime i saw her - Judy Neufeld
Apr 15, 2025
My condolences to lorraine and family Glenda was areal sweetheart she was my neighbor in Winfield. Shirley Bach

- Shirley Bach
Apr 15, 2025
Condolences, Loraine, on the loss of your special sister. From the obituary, I can see she was a special person who added joy to the lives of many people. Jim Oakes - James Oakes
Apr 15, 2025
So sorry to hear of Glenda's passing.

I knew Glenda from a young age as Syd & Doris bowled with my parents, so we would sometimes hang out at the bowling alley.

I also saw here many times at the ball park as she was cheering on the Rutland Rovers...I was not as I was cheering for the Budget Boys. I saw her after that when I started to play in the league.

Glenda always had a smile and knew everyone's name....even if you hadn't seen her in years.

Glenda will be missed

Wishing the family the best at this difficult time.

Dave - Dave Favell
Apr 15, 2025
My deepest condolences to Glendas family. I had the pleasure of working with Glenda at the Rutland McDonalds 89-91. Im glad I had the opportunity to say hello last summer when Glenda came in to my workplace. She lit up every room she occupied! - Kim Felty
Apr 15, 2025
Sorry the loss . I remember seeing her around in the community lots. She will be missed by many. - Taylor Bennett