October 9, 1926 - February 4, 2019
FERCH - Ivah, Elaine (nee Laycock), passed away peacefully into the presence of her Lord early Monday morning, February 04 2019 at Brookhaven Care Centre in West Kelowna at the age of 92. Born on the family farm in Saltcoats, Saskatchewan October 9 1926.
Elaine is survived by her sons David (Muriel) and Larry Ferch; and daughter Heather (Hans) vanLeeuwen of Port Coquitlam; younger brothers Glenn (Joyce) and Lyle Laycock both living in Saskatchewan; 7 grandchildren - Bob (Shannon) Ferch; Sheri (Craig) Johnson of Aldergrove; Deveen (Darryl) Doerkson; Sharla (Scott) Baillie of Vernon; Darren (Niki), Shaun (Cassandra) and Trisha vanLeeuwen all from the Lower Mainland; and 21 great grandchildren - Jody, Corrie and Levi Ferch; Ellis, Elliot, Landell, Lochlan, Burklan, Shelise, Brylan, and Veleah Johnson; Tanicia and Kashyah Doerkson; Emily, Isabella, Sarah, and Rylan Baillie; Kayla, Colton, Jayce, and Mila vanLeeuwen. Predeceased by husband Earl in 1969 aged 49 years; son Dale in 1972 aged 23 years; parents in 1992 - Bill aged 89 years and Ivah (nee Baines) aged 87 years; and great granddaughter Velissa Johnson in 2016 nearly 3 years old.
The family home was on Thacker Drive in Lakeview Heights with a fabulous lake view. In 1982 Elaine finished her enjoyable 28 year career at Kelowna General Hospital as Chief Admitting Officer. She was forced into early retirement due to failing eye sight. From childhood Elaine's vision slowly closed into nothing (tunnel vision). She was declared legally blind at 57 years of age, and by the time she was 78 Elaine was completely blind. After her husband's death she traveled extensively. Elaine has had many dear lady friends who were her traveling companions and took her on many local outings.
In keeping with Elaine's wishes there won't be a public memorial service. No donations or flowers. Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299.
