Tribute

On Monday February 3, 2025, Mrs. Emily Darlene Kunz, passed away at the age of 80 at Penticton Regional Hospital.

Darlene was born to Hazel and Frank Smith, on April 5, 1944, in Cranbrook BC.

Darlene will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Lesley (Chris) Hanson; son, Todd (Lisa) Kunz; grandchildren, Sydney, Paige, Josh, and Mathew Hanson and Liam, Olivia and Jillian Kunz. Darlene is also survived by her sister, Frances Feher; her brother-in-law, Paul Kunz; her sister-in-law, Lauretta Kunz and by her many nieces and nephews.

Darlene was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Garth Kunz; sister, Patricia Kellerman; brother, Jim Smith; brother-in-law, Brian Kunz; and sister-in-law, Muriel Washington.

Darlene grew up in Penticton BC where she made many memories with life-long friends. After high school, Darlene moved to Osoyoos where she worked at Super Valu and met Garth Kunz. Darlene married Garth in May of 1966 and soon after they bought Garth’s childhood farm where they lived for the remainder of their lives. Darlene made many wonderful friends through her 40 plus years of working at the Bank of Montreal and the Osoyoos Credit Union. Darlene also made many meaningful friendships through Garth’s involvement on the Osoyoos Fire Department, through the farming community and through their property in Westbridge. She volunteered for various organizations over the years, cherished her time with her book club, and having coffee with many special friends. Darlene also enjoyed traveling with family and friends to South America, England, Mexico and Paris.

Darlene was kind, caring, thoughtful, hardworking and dedicated to her family and friends. The most important thing in Darlene’s life was her family. She was an amazing mom and Grandma. Darlene loved to watch her grandkids dance, play hockey, do gymnastics, play piano and supported her grand kids in whatever they were interested in. Having her kids and grandkids close by meant the world to her. Darlene loved her many nieces and nephews who spent time in Osoyoos with her over the years. Darlene was a very giving person who was always willing to help others out whenever needed. She will be so greatly missed. Her memory will live on in our hearts forever. We would like to express our gratitude to Dr. De Vries for the amazing care he provided over the years, to Carla at South Okanagan General Hospital and to the wonderful staff at the Penticton Regional Hospital on level 6.

A funeral service for Darlene will be held at 1:30 pm Saturday February 15, 2025 at the Osoyoos Baptist Church.