Obituary of Kathleen Delores Heppner

HEPPNER: Kathleen (Kay). Peacefully on Thursday, June 14, 2012, Kathleen Delores Heppner passed away at Fairview Home, Brandon at the age of 82 years. Kathleen will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Joanne (John Townsend) Heppner of Whistler, BC, Cheryl Heppner of Brandon, MB, and Myrna Heppner of Portage la Prairie, MB. She was predeceased by husband, Art in 2003, and son Duane in 2010. Kathleen was born on November 28, 1929, 2nd child of Andrew G. and Justina Blatz. Her education was in the Hopeland School District. She was a telephone operator in Morden when she met and married Art in June 1953. Together they raised 4 children. The summers of 1968 through 1972 were spent as camp cook at Sherwood Forest Camp near Beausejour. Mom was thrilled to become a nurse at the age of 46. She worked at Morden and District General Hospital. With Dad's transfer to Brandon in 1982 came a huge move for the family. Mom was a nurse at Fairview Home until her retirement in 1995. As a result of a stroke in 2006, mom moved to Fairview Home where she resided until her passing. Despite physical challenges, she lived life to the fullest! She went on many outings, including visiting Myrna and Duane at MDC in Portage, shopping, out for meals, and attending a Daniel O'Donnell Concert in Winnipeg. Visitors were always welcome, as well as making many phone calls to keep in touch with family and friends. Throughout her life, family and a strong faith in God remained strong. Mom met challenges head-on and had a positive attitude. Through conversation and her lifestyle, mom was an inspiration to many people. From an early age, Mom developed skills as a fantastic cook, seamstress, quilter, and loved learning new crafts. Through these activities Mom met and bonded with people of all ages, whether it was learning or teaching. Fond memories are of mom doing activities with Joanne's young students in school: candy-moulding; quilting; and grinding wheat to flour and making bread. Mom was part of these organizations: ladies' groups at Morden MB Church and Richmond Park Church; parent committees for Morden Children's Choir and Girls' Choir; C.A.M.R., Morden and Manitoba Branches; Family Support Group at MDC; A.C.L. member in Brandon; and UCT Ladies Auxiliary member in Brandon. A time of visitation was held at Brockie Donovan Funeral Home, Brandon, on Monday, June 18, 2012. The graveside service was held at Rosewood Memorial Gardens, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Brockie Donovan Chapel. Pastor Ben Kramer of Richmond Park Mennonite Brethren Church officiated. Donations in memory of Kathleen may be made to The Gideons International in Canada, P.O. Box 3619, Guelph, Ontario, N1H 7A2 or to a charity of your choice.