Tribute

There is never a good time to say goodbye to someone who is loved. Therefore, it is with great sadness, that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister, ‘Granny’ & friend to many.

On March 14, 2026, Viola Dora Biech (nee Keller) of Oliver, BC passed away peacefully, at her home, at the age of 98 years.

Viola was pre-deceased by her husband of 48 years, Alfred Theador Biech, her parents (Karl and Phillipine Keller), her four brothers, Valentine, Albert, Karl, Herb and a sister, Evelyn, and her eldest son, Theador (Ted).

Viola is survived by her three children, Brenda Marchetti, Alana LeSueur (Kelvin), Darryl, her daughter-in-law, Gina Biech and by her only granddaughter, Nicole Markin (Mike Brewer), three great-grandchildren, Kyle Goertzen, Taylor Goertzen, Alysha Evans, and two great-great- granddaughters, Brooklyn Goertzen and Paisleigh (Campbell) Goertzen.

She is survived as well by her sister, Noreen Teas, and sister-in-law, Phyllis Keller and many nieces, nephews and their families.

Viola will be long remembered by the many friends of her children and grandchildren, whom she helped to love and support during their own upbringing.  To many of those friends, she was also known as ‘GRAN’ and this title followed her, throughout her life.

Viola was born in Bateman, Saskatchewan.  At the age of 18 months, her parents moved to Wilkie, Saskatchewan, where she attended school there until the age of 15.  She and her family then moved to BC, settling in Summerland for a short time, before finally moving to Oliver, where she had settled for nearly 83 years.

She attended South Okanagan Secondary School.

She was a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where she socialized, eventually meeting Alfred Biech in 1945, and to whom she married in 1948.  Viola & Alfred settled down, north of Oliver, on a 16 Acre fruit orchard.  They ran a successful fruit farming business for 32 years, despite many tough years.  Viola worked during this time, at the Hanes and Mac & Fitz Packing houses, sorting and packing fruit.  And, in her most enjoyable job, she was a retail store employee for the T. EATONS company, in Oliver.

Viola sat on many committees, one being the South Okanagan General Hospital Auxiliary, in the roles as both the Secretary and President.  For over 75 years, she was an active member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Ladies Aid Group.

With Dad, they took trips with their camper across Canada & the USA, and also travelled to faraway places such as Hawaii, Mexico, Cuba, South America, Europe and England.

Viola will be remembered for her warm & understanding nature.  She could tell a joke beautifully.  She had a wonderful way of laughing and finding enjoyment in life, despite hardships. We will remember and cherish time spent with her, her love, guidance and wisdom.

A viewing will be held on April 10th, 2026, from 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, located at 428 Skagit Avenue (formerly 9516 342nd Avenue) in Oliver, BC.

Following the viewing, the funeral services will take place at the same location, starting at 11:00 am with Pastor Darren Siegle, officiating.

Burial will take place, following the funeral services, at the Oliver Municipal Cemetery.

The family & relatives wish to invite all her friends, to a reception afterwards, being held in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church reception hall, catered by the St. Paul’s Lutheran Ladies Aid group, at approximately 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Viola’s name to several of her favourite charities.

1.  The Heart & Stroke Foundation of B.C.
2.  The Lutheran Hour
3. St. Paul’s Lutheran Memorial fund

4.   Oliver Food Bank
5.   OR …  To a Charity of their choice.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to those who rendered care and compassion in her last months of life, including the Interior Health Home Care Staff.

The family also extends their gratitude for the many prayers, flowers, cards, telephone calls and emails sent by friends and relatives.

The funeral service will be live streamed and can be viewed by clicking the LIVE STREAM button on Viola’s tribute page at www.nunes-pottinger.com.

Condolences, tributes, shared memories & emails will be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com