After courageously battling cancer for two years, Adele died peacefully in her Saanich home, Sunday, March 15th 2020. She is survived by her loving husband Mark, her children, Jonathan, Sandra (Glen) and Kathleen, and her sister Christine (Warren) and brother Calvin. She is predeceased by her parents Charles and Wilma Koch, and brothers Eric and Brian.
Adele was born on May 8th 1950 in Kitchener, Ontario and grew up on her parents’ dairy farm near Conestogo Lake. After graduating high school, Adele moved away from her rural upbringing. She attended both Stratford Teacher’s College and Mohawk College, worked in manufacturing, a cookie factory and as kitchen staff in a hospital, and volunteered on behalf of the Mennonite Church, spending time in the USA in both Portland and Los Angeles. The mid-seventies found Adele living in Vancouver, working at the Bank of Montreal/University of British Columbia. Little did she know, but this is where her life would soon take a fateful turn.
In 1975, on a pre-Christmas flight to visit her parents, Adele met a somewhat charming naval officer. Adele and Mark were married on October 16th 1976 in Waterloo, Ontario and immediately thereafter moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia where Mark joined his ship. Their honeymoon was nine months later.
The family, which would become five in number, lived in Nova Scotia for nineteen years. After spending time at home with her children, Adele worked varied employment and was active in the Girl Guides. 1995 found Adele back on the West Coast with Mark’s posting to the Esquimalt naval base. After obtaining her insurance license, she spent the rest of her career at Coast Capital Insurance retiring as a Senior Underwriter in 2016.
Adele was an exceedingly kind person with a witty sense of humour which endeared her to many. An astute game player (crosswords, scrabble and crib), Adele enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, travelling and living on the West Coast.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
27 Responses
I had the pleasure of working with Adele at Coast Capital Insurance for 21 years. She always showed an interest in her fellow co-workers and was a pleasure to work with. Adele was kind hearted, fun, smart, and always put others first. She was the mother hen in our office. I enjoyed our many chats and lunchtime get togethers talking about our families, our kids successes, and life in general. Adele will be missed by all. My heart goes out to Mark and the family. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
My sister, my friend, my confidante, how I will miss you. But you are on your next journey, till we meet again
Mark,
So sorry to hear about Adele. Charlotte and I were just talking about the lovely evening we spent with you and your family at your house near Halifax those many years ago.
Please accept our deepest sympathy for you and your family.
Phil Naylor
Mark, we are so sorry for your loss. Out thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Take care my friend.
Barb and Rob Guglick
Our hearts go out to all of you in this time of sorrow. Adele was a wonderful person who will be missed by all.
Hugs, Lynda & Gary Walker
MARK, JON, SANDRA + KATHY
I still remember mom and dad flying out to meet Adele for the first time and how thrilled they were after they met her.
Anne and I have many fond memories of Adele.
I think Adele would say to her children, live your lives and be happy.
Adele will be missed and she will always be in our hearts.
Glenn and Anne Fletcher
I will miss your smile and the time we no longer have to enjoy our retirement together. You will not be forgotten.
Safe journey my friend.
What an incredibly beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. Aunt Adele will be very missed by all who knew and loved her. Thinking of Mark, Jon, Sandy, Glen and Kathy. Sending so much love.
Love Meghan, Jamie, Ben and Alex
The little goody tray we traded periodically during celebrations, especially every Christmas, will not be left empty. It is filled with memories of you, much love and most of all with your lasting legacy of kindness and knack to make us feel good.
LOVE YOU LOTS!