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TORHJELM, Bette Eilleen (née Baile)
May 25, 1941 — December 20, 2024
Born May 25th, 1941, in Calgary, Alberta, Bette passed away while resting peacefully in Hospice on December 20, 2024, in Kelowna, BC, at 83 years old, to be with her husband of 64 years James Torhjelm.
Daughter of adoptive parents Charles Fredrick Baile and Mabel Irene Baile, Bette is sadly missed by children Dan, Randy (Alana), Ron, and Sandra(Andrew); grandchildren Ethan, Candice, Sheldon, Nicole, Curtis, Brittany, Joshua, Brett, and Scottie; and great-grandchildren Nina and Amelia.
Bette met Jim at a softball game in Red Deer, AB, in 1955 and they were married on August 28, 1959, in Red Deer. She often said that one of her best days ever was her first date with Dad where they “Shared a real Coke Float.”
Bette had many hobbies and interests including curling, sewing, painting, bird watching, cooking, gardening, and camping. She loved camping with Jim in their little fifth wheel exploring Canada, and sharing many fond memories with their friends Cal and Tudi Fortnum.
Over the years, Bette partnered with Dad at various businesses to include Clancys Delivery in Red Deer and was also a bookkeeper for others.
When Bette and Jim moved to Kelowna in 1985 Bette worked for local fabric stores. She later branched out on her own sewing business and did alterations for wedding dresses. Bette also partnered with local interior designers to make window treatments and other bed and pillow treatments. Later Jim and Bette managed the Okanagan Chateau retirement residence and travelled across Canada with this company.
Bette was a valuable volunteer in the Kelowna and district Genealogy Society where she at one time served as President and the local chapter of the Parkinsons Society of BC. They were also long-time members of the Mission Creek Alliance Church.
Bette was known for her smile, kindness, hard work, hospitality, and great cooking, and will be missed by many. She and Jim were inseparable, especially in their retirement years.
A celebration of life will be held at the Mission Creek Alliance Church in Kelowna BC at a future date. Internment Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery.
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May 25 1941 — December 20 2024
Death notice for the town of: Kelowna, Province: Colombie britanique
death notice TORHJELM Bette Eilleen née Baile May 25 1941 — December 20 2024
obituaries notice TORHJELM Bette Eilleen née Baile May 25 1941 — December 20 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of TORHJELM Bette Eilleen née Baile May 25 1941 — December 20 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
