April 16, 1929 – December 29, 2019
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear Mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Vickery, on December 29, 2019, at the age of 90. Mom was born April 16, 1929 in Regina, Sask.
Mom was the oldest of four children born to immigrant parents from Romania. She only spoke German, but when she started school, she was able to learn English. Actually, Mom didn’t really like school that much and had always liked working with her hands, so she quit school in Grade 8 and enrolled in hairdressing school. When Mom graduated at the age of 14, she happened to be the youngest graduate that year! Her goal then was to work with her parents, who owned a barber shop and hair salon. Mom worked there for 7 years, at which time she decided to get married and start a family.
Our parents moved between Saskatchewan and B.C. a number of times. They especially loved the Okanagan Valley, and decided that Vernon would be the place for us. So in 1965 they packed up 5 kids and our pet canary in our 1956 Oldsmobile, and headed for Vernon. Over the next few years, Mom worked part-time at Quality Coiffeurs hair salon and also at Dellview Hospital as a housekeeper. Our parents divorced in 1975.
In 1978, Mom started her new life when she moved to Chilliwack and married George Vickery. They owned and operated a driving school until their retirement. They bought a motorhome and decided to do some travelling and camping. This included a trip across Canada and an adventurous trip to the U.S and then to Mexico. Mom and George also enjoyed a number of cruises including to Alaska, Mexico and the Caribbean. George passed away in 1998. A year later, Mom decided to move back to Vernon to be closer to her family.
Mom was an avid reader. She read many novels, but especially loved reading The Enquirer! She would often tell us stories and when we asked where she heard that, she would say, “Oh, I read that in the Enquirer!”. To which we would say, “Well then it has to be true!”. She also enjoyed knitting, needlework, hooking rugs and many other crafts. Everyone close to her has some memento specially made by Mom! She loved growing flowers and loved her many lawn ornaments. Mom lived in a condo when she returned to Vernon, and because she didn’t have her own lawn to decorate, she decorated the common area. Everyone loved it!
When Mom was 85, she sold her condo and moved to Canterbury Court. Being the “social butterfly” that our mother was, she loved living there! She made many friends and enjoyed playing canasta with her special group of card playing friends. Mom had a tremendous sense of humour and her infectious laugh was undeniable!
In May of this year, Mom was starting to require a bit more help, so we then moved her to Carrington Place. This proved to be a very good choice. Mom really enjoyed her new home and had made a number of new friends.
She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her!
Mom leaves to mourn her five children: Peter (Heather Clarke) Sapergia, Lorena (Bob) Kloppenburg, Dan Sapergia, Gary Sapergia and James (Pam) Sapergia. Four grandchildren: Tanya Sapergia, Lisa (Scott Simpson) Kloppenburg, Laura (Jeremy Spiegel) Kloppenburg, and Jackie (Cory) Lind. Two great-grandchildren: Denae Kloppenburg and Brylee Kloppenburg
Her sister: Dorothy (Ray) Patterson. She also leaves three step-children: Markla (Joel) Kastor, Fred Vickery and Derrick Vickery, as well as many extended family members and friends.
Mom was predeceased by our dad, Jerry Sapergia (2016) and step-father, George Vickery (1998).
We would like to express a sincere thank you to Dr. Smart for the excellent care he has provided Mom for the past 20 years. We also want to thank Dr. Sernik and the many doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists that were involved with Mom’s care following her surgeries. Also, a special thank you to the wonderful, compassionate nurses, care aids and volunteers at Hospice House.
We are very grateful to all of you!
A celebration of life will be held in the Spring of 2020.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Elizabeth “Betty Vickery Sapergia December 29th 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Armstrong, Province: Colombie britanique