Obituary of Kay Ellen Epp

It is with broken hearts and overwhelming disbelief that we announce the passing of the most amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend that we will ever know. Kay Ellen Epp passed away peacefully in the Kelowna ICU after a short battle with cancer on Saturday February 4^th, 2023 at the age of 70 with family by her side.

Those who knew her were in the company of a true gem. She loved to love. She had an open door and open heart for all. She was an all or none, no nonsense woman who made others smile just being in her presence. Her energy was infectious and her spirit strong.

She was born in Cranbrook on April 9, 1952 to Owen and Muriel Sherratt. She was the eldest of 5 siblings and was full of passion and energy always. As a youngster she loved playing basketball, volleyball, track and field, enjoyed drama club and loved being around people. That continued her whole life. She married her sweetheart Ken Epp in 1972 and they later welcomed two children into the world. Connie and Jamie had the pleasure of being witness to the amazing life they built together. As time passed, Kay enjoyed playing slow-pitch, being involved with Canadian Women In Timber, her grad committee girls (who met for lunch multiple times a year even when no reunions were being planned), fishing at the lake and volunteering her time with multiple organizations, including the cancer society and most recently serving as a director on the Boswell Historical Society Board. Her greatest passion was always curling and many bonspiel weekends created lasting memories for all teammates. While her legacy lives on in so many of the things that she did, her latest passions are the ones that those close to her will miss the most. Her love of; baking, gardening, the slice of heaven and labour of love she created for all at Kootenay Lake and really loving her family and friends well, will never be forgotten.

Kay had a positive outlook on everything, was a hard worker and did a variety of jobs. She started her working years waitressing at the Apollo which she loved, then went on to drive taxi for CPR and was hired at the newest store in town, Woolworths. She then attended Trail Business College in the early 70’s and proceeded to work as a legal secretary before beginning her career in the forest industry with Crestbrook. She worked for CFI and Tembec for 35 years. When that abruptly came to an end, she was devastated but quickly found an incredible, supportive work environment at the College of the Rockies. She spent almost 10 years working first as an auxiliary and then finding her “home” in the College Bookstore. Her final part-time retirement career was as a marriage commissioner and we never saw her more suited to a job than bringing happiness to a new couple on their special day.

Kay is survived by her loving husband Ken Epp and their children; Connie (Ron) White and Jamie Epp, grandchildren; Jayden and Carter White and Fenway and Frances Epp, 3 sisters; Irene (Jerry) Bischler, Jean (Kelly) Easton and Sandra (Travis) Preston as well as 1 sister-in-law; Lou Walkden. She is also survived by Ken’s siblings; Wayne (Bev) Epp, Janet Jackett, Ron (Pat) Epp, Barry (Lynn) Epp, sister-in-law Val Worobec, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents Owen and Muriel, her in-laws Bill and Marion Epp, her infant grand-daughter Dylan Epp, her brother Glen Sherratt and brothers-in-law; Garnet Jackett and Keith Epp.

There will be a celebration of her life on Saturday February 25^th at 2:00pm at the Cranbrook Alliance Church with all arrangements entrusted to McPherson’s Funeral Services. Kay’s celebration will be live streamed if you are unable to attend in person. 

Memorial donations in Kay’s honour to the BCSPCA, BC Cancer Foundation, Boswell Historical Society or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.