Apr 20, 1929 - Jan 23, 2018
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Isabella Wiens (nee Dunlop) on Jan. 23, 2018 at the age of 88. Beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and cousin. She passed away suddenly at Columbia View Lodge where she had only been a resident for 2 weeks.
She is survived by her loving husband Bert of 66 years, her children Dennis (Daune), Bruce, Kendra Marchi, Kevin (Angela) and Lisa (Stacy) Savage her grandchildren Tyler (Stephanie) Graham (Glynis) Colin, Richard, Meagan (Matt) Jennifer (Bryan), Amy (Michael) Mallory, Christopher and Nicole (fiance Chris) her great grandchildren Isabella, Heidi, Sevrina, Holly, Micah, Benjamin and Jared.
She was predeceased by her parents William and Jessie Dunlop, brother Donald , sister Willa Hampton, brother-in-law Allen Hampton, son-in-law Jerry Marchi, daughter-in-law Cathie Wiens and very special cousin Fay Stoutenburg.
Isabella was born April 20, 1929 at her grandparent's farm house near Ernfold Sask. She grew up on her family's farm and did her schooling in Ernfold. She did her Teacher's training at Normal School in Moose Jaw and she taught school for a total of 4 years in one room multi grade school houses.
She met the love of her life, Bert Wiens while he was playing for a dance. They were married July 17, 1951 in Ernfold. After the wedding they moved to Trail where Dennis was born. In 1953 they moved back to Sask where they ran the general store and post office and mom taught school. Their second son, Bruce was born in Herbert. In 1956 they moved back to BC where they settled in Fruitvale. Kendra, Kevin and Lisa were all born in Trail BC. They lived in several homes before settling in the family home on Columbia Gardens Road where they lived for 31 years. The last 24 years they lived on Martin St.
For many years she was an avid bowler and kept in contact with her team mates right up to a couple of years ago. She enjoyed her hobbies of knitting, crocheting, sewing, gardening and we enjoyed her Sunday night fried chicken dinners. She loved traveling, playing cards, camping and spending time with family and friends. She spent 30 years as a permanent camper at Skands Campground at Christina Lake. She especially enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren's activities.
In her early 60's she decided she wanted to learn to swim so off she went to swimming lessons with her dear friend Viola Hallock. Her daughter-in-law Cathie convinced her to try golfing and from that moment on she was hooked. When Bert retired from his music band they were asked to join the curling club. He didn't really want too but she said " I've been sitting home for over 20 years while you've been busy with your band and we're going." So began their love of curling. But her biggest love of all was dancing with her husband Bert.
She belonged to the United Church Women's group and was a founding member of the Fruitvale Thrift Shop where she volunteered for 50 years. She worked at many teas and church functions as well as being the UCW treasurer for 25 years. She also taught Sunday School for many years although she never attended church.
A service celebrating her life will be held on Monday, January 29, 2018 at Beaver Valley United Church at 1917 Columbia Gardens Road in Fruitvale, BC at 11:00 a.m.