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
Dear Mark & Family,
I am very sorry to hear of Adele’s passing. The years have flown by so quickly and the wedding seems a recent memory. She has left an indelible footprint.
God speed.
Lee Daugharty
I first met Adele in 2014 in my early twenties when she hired me to be an Underwriter on one of the teams she managed. She was such a kind, caring person and I believe many saw her as a mother figure – I know I did. She had such a kind spirit and always handled my wild self with grace and humour. I can remember showing up to work with 6 hickies visible on my neck; she gave me that well-known over the glasses mom look, shook her head a bit, and cracked a little smile. Or the time when I (without thinking) held a door open for her and she just smiled and said, “No, thanks Caleb.” and then I realized I was holding open the door to the men’s restroom for her. I am truly grateful for the couple of years I had the privilege of working with her and all of the wonderful memories I still fondly recall. My deepest condolences – I know the loss will be felt by many.
I am so sorry. Cancer is a terrible thing but it cannot take away your love or your memories or the many lifelong changes she no doubt made to others’ lives because of the woman she was. Cry hard and let it help heal you. Stay strong so the four of you can forge a new togetherness. Much love, your cousin Christine
May your memories of your marriage to Adele, the birth of your children and the love and laughter you have all shared, sustain you thru this next stage in your lives.
Sending love to all.
Byron and Lynne Lucas
We are so sorry to hear of Adele’s passing. Wishing you Mark and your family peace and strength
at this difficult time.
Ian and Bonnie Abrahams
Mark and Family,
Adele was such a wonderful person. Your soul mate for so many years. Just an observation – seems to me as older I get, whenever there is a death of someone I know, a lttle peice of me dies to.
Sorry for your loss my Friend
I have known Mark for 12 years after first crossing paths at HMCS Discovery. Circumstances, sadly, prevented my wife and I from ever meeting Adele but knowing Mark, Carol and I have no doubt she was a lovely and remarkable person and our lives would have been enriched had we known her better. Our hearts go out to Mark and all his and Adeles family during this trying and saddest of times.
Mark, I am so very sorry. I remember when you and Adele stopped by to visit my family in Kamloops. Although well over 40 years ago now, Adele’s kind and gentle nature made a lasting impression. Wayne and I extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Susan and Wayne Lennon
Mark, you and your family have our deepest thoughts and prayers. It was my great privilege to know and work with Adele. I greatly appreciated her, ” keep calm and carry on” style of leadership at the office, and her ability to accomplish any job with a can do attitude. Adele contributed greatly to the success of Coast Capital Insurance. She also made a significant difference to the lives of many young women she trained, mentored and lead. I will miss Adele, but I will always be grateful to her.
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with You and Your Family. Adele sounded like a wonderful person.
Hugs Cousin Pat Delorey