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
Angela Owens
I worked with Adele for many years…at Coast Capital Insurance. She
was such a positive and happy person. Her love for her family and her caring ways towards me and fellow employees was amazing…She was definitely the momma bear of the team. I am sorry Mark and family for your loss ….Until we meet again Adele.
Angela
Muriel Sitter
I had the great pleasure and privilege of working with Adele for many years. Adele & I spent many days over in Vancouver when we started working with “Richmond Savings” – training the staff. Adele & I went to a different restaurant every night. It became a great game to decide what type of food we would eat – Italian – Greek – Chinese. Adele was a smart, caring person who loved her family and extended that caring to her “work” family. Adele you will be missed.
My condolences to you and your family Mark. I know the tremendous struggle that Adele struggled through and my heart goes out to you.
Mark to you and your family, I’m so sorry for your loss and send condolences from the Flowers family. The family that lived in your backyard growing up. I can’t help but remember the day you were married just outside of Kitchener, I was in charge of serving refreshments and it was such an amazing reception, everyone had so much fun and so many laughs. That memory still brings a smile to my face whenever I think of it. Thinking of you and your family at this time.
Kim Flowers
Adele came as a blessing and changed my life. She helped shape my career and future in Canada. She was one of the kindest and sweetest person I’ve ever met. Will miss her and forever be grateful to her. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Adele came as blessing and changed my life. She helped shape my career and future in Canada. She was one of the kindest and sweetest person I’ve ever met. Will miss her and forever be grateful to her. My deepest symptahy to the family.
Uncle Mark, Jon, Sandra & Kathy:
Sending our most heartfelt condolences. Aunt Adele was so kind and will be sorely missed. We are thinking of you, and sending our love.
Love,
Katie & Jesse