A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 1:00 pm (PDT), at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, 1991 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, BC. A reception will follow at 2:00 pm, at the Springfield Funeral Home Family Centre, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.
With sadness, we announce that Catherine “Kay” Chmelyk passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, in her home at Cottonwoods Extended Care, where she lived for 8 years. Kay celebrated her 100th birthday on April 23, 2026, with family and friends.
Kay was predeceased by her husband Alex Chmelyk (d. June 21, 2003) they were married for over 57 years (Oct 26, 1946). “Together Again”.
Kay had five siblings: brother Daniel (Vicki) and sister Frances (d. Wayne) of Edmonton, AB
Predeceased: brother Russell (Nancy), sisters Nancy (Steve), Josie (Pete) of Edmonton, AB
Catherine has left behind a big family full of love and devotion: her four sons, Don (d. Pat), Lorry (Arlene), Jerry (Gwen), and Doug; grandchildren, Richard, James, (d. Lindsey), Kelsey, Jennifer C., Jennifer, Ryan, and Jackie; and many nieces and nephews, as well as several great-grandchildren.
Catherine was born in Mundare, AB, in a rural farming community and moved to Edmonton in the 40’s. One of Kay’s first jobs was working for Swifts Packing House. Kay met Alex, the love of her life, also from Mundare. AB. They soon were married and started a family. They began their life adventure as owner/operators of Chmelyk Grocery Store. In the summer of 1962, they moved to Salmon Arm, BC, where they established another business and built a new home. With family and friends, they built Poplar Grove, a service station and café, along with a motel. They lived in Salmon Arm for over 16 years, making many lifelong friends. In the fall of 1978, Alex and Kay moved to Kelowna, BC, and by this time they had retired and built another house. Kay and Alex moved one more time to their forever home at Central Park in Kelowna, BC.
Catherine was a gentle, loving woman who was always positive and welcoming. She was devoted to raising her four sons and enjoyed time with her husband, family, and friends.
Kay will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
