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Gertrude M KUPKEE

October 25, 2008

In loving memory of

Gertrude M. Kupkee

1917-2008 - deceased

ne: Gertrude M. Ahovuori

(ne: Aho – surname shortened after arrival in canada)

Gertude kupkee passed away on Saturday, Oct. 25th, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox, at the age of 91. Since 1987, Gertrude Kupkee had resided in Parksville, and for the last 18 months, at the Gardens Rest Home in Qualicum Beach.

Gertrude Kupkee was born in Finland on March 2nd, 1917. At six years of age, Gertrude emmigrated from Finland to Canada with her family. Her family settled in Timmins, Ont. She attended normal school to receive her teaching credentials and took on her first teaching assignment in Moose Factory, Ont., on the shores of Hudson Bay, where she met and married (in Jan., 1940), RCMP Constable Allen D. Kupkee. Gertrude and Allen Kupkee were posted to various locations in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia during their (65) year marriage. They retired in Salmon Arm in 1973, after many years in law enforcement / teaching postings. Gertrude & Allen Kupkee led an early to mid 20th century pioneer life in Canada, living in a number of remote and inclement climatic locations.

Gertrude spent many years as a school teacher, including Instow, Sask., where she taught grades 1-10 and was required to heat and clean the school. She also worked in Burnaby as a sales agent for Rivers Realty in the mid-1950’s and was a very successful agent. Gertrude suffered from ill health during her early teens, as well as during the past 15 years, however she possessed great courage and dignity, always managing to persevere and to enjoy her family and friends.

Gertrude and Allen Kupkee lived in British Columbia for over 50 years and enjoyed wonderful relationships with a very large number of friends, in Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Salmon Arm, Prince George, Comox and Parksville.

Gertrude Kupkee is survived by her son Joseph Kupkee (wife – Barbara), of Parksville. She is also survived by her granddaughters Tanya Harrington (husband – Christopher), of Salmon Arm, and Tracy Lamerton (husband – Marc) of Port Moody, as well as great grandchildren - Ava and Alexander Lamerton, and Benjamin Harrington. Gertrude Kupkee also has surviving relatives in Finland and in New Brunswick. Gertrude had a great love for her grandchildren and great grandchildren who brought her so much joy and pleasure.

Gertrude Kupkee was pre-deceased by her husband Allen in 2005, and by her mother Laina Aho (ne: Heinanen), in 1978, also her father Joseph in 1944, as well as her brother Ahti, in 1941.

Gertrude Kupkee leaves behind a host of family members and very close friends. Gertrude was throughout her life, a loving and caring person who cherished her family and her friends.

A service will be held, at 2 pm, on Saturday, Nov. 22nd, at St. Anne’s Anglican Church - 407 Wembley Road in Parksville, and will be presided over by Rev. R. Cuyler, a long time neighbour and friend. The service will be followed by a brief reception and snacks, in the nearby church hall.

No flowers or gifts are necessary. Any such contributions should be directed to the SPCA, as Gertrude was a great lover of animals.

The Kupkee family invites friends and acquaintances to join them at the service – all are welcome - should anyone have any questions regarding the service, please call Joe Kupkee at 250-752-0222.



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