It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kay Haffner who died peacefully on January 14, 2012, at Grand Forks, B.C., with her loving family by her side, at the age of 77.
She was predeceased by her husband, Philip Haffner in November 1996; her parents, Nick and Florence Markin; and her sister, Polly Plotnikoff. Kay is survived by her three loving children: son Patrick (Niki) and daughter Melanie of Grand Forks and daughter Colleen of Richmond, as well as her loving granddaughter Kalina, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her brother, Jerry Markin of Castlegar.
Kay was born (1934) and raised the eldest of three in Grand Forks. She attended Outlook school and moved to the Okanagan where she worked in the orchards, canneries and crowned Miss Peach at a pageant during that time. Kay then moved to Vancouver to receive her Practical Nursing certificate and returned to Grand Forks and began her nursing career in late 1950s at the old hospital located where the Overwaitea is today. She married Philip in 1961 and moved to Vancouver where she had her son Patrick, moved back to Grand Forks and raised two more children, Melanie and Colleen. She then returned back to nursing in the early 1970s working until her retirement at Boundary Hospital in 1999. She enjoyed her working career and was very dedicated to it.
In her retirement she loved to cook, especially for family and friends and relax on her backyard balcony, which overlooked the garden surrounded by beautiful flowers that she had planted. The flowers were her favourite. She will be forever remembered and missed for her kindness, gentle soul, great humour, laughter and of course her wonderful cooking. To us she really was a great wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend for all. We feel truly blessed to have had her in our lives as she was our pillar of strength and we will cherish this forever. We love you Mom, and until we meet again.
A mass will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2012, at 11 a.m., at Sacred Heart Church, 7269 9th Street, Grand Forks. Prayers will be held on Friday, January 20, 2012, at 7 p.m., at Sacred Heart Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boundary Community Hospice Association and Canadian Cancer Society.
The family wishes to convey a special thank you to the caring staff, doctors and nurses, Boundary Community Hospice Association, the Palliative Care Unit of Boundary Hospital, the Sacred Heart Church and to the Castlegar Funeral Chapel. Also a special thanks to family, friends and neighbours for all of your compassion and support.