It is with great sadness that we announce Denise passed away at the Shuswap Lake General Hospital with family at her bedside. She had taken two falls recently and was in hospital recovering from a pelvic fracture.
Denise will be lovingly remembered by her three surviving daughters, Diana Walker of Vancouver, Roselyn (Keith) Phare of Salmon Arm and Goldie Denise (Denny) Caldwell and her fiancé Jim Wilson, also of Salmon Arm. She is survived by six grandchildren: Jesse Walker, Gabe Walker, Julie Dubyna, Andrew Phare, Sabrina Caldwell Ozpazarcik and Jasmine Ahn Caldwell, and three great grandchildren: Samantha, Mackenzie and Jorjah Dubyna.
Denise was predeceased by her husband, Emil Eckstadt in 1969, her second husband, Alex Eckstadt in 1990, and her daughter, Rhoda Eckstadt in 1976.
Denise was born in South Africa of British parents and travelled to London, England at age 6, where she received her schooling at the City of London Freeman’s School. Later Denise trained at Guy’s Hospital in London, England, to become a registered nurse. She met a Canadian soldier in Hyde Park. After a brief courtship, Denise and Emil were married and Denise travelled to Canada as a War Bride.
Denise was always active in church and community events. She made many friends and had lots of fond memories of living and working in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. She was employed at the Shuswap Lake General Hospital for many years and became one of the favourite nurses because of her kindness and concern for people. She has always been an advocate for a healthy lifestyle.
After retirement, she wrote a weekly column for the local newspaper for several years and gave her opinion on numerous subjects as well as providing information and encouragement for her readers. She also continued to write poetry, some of which has been published. For Christmas last year, Denise knitted many scarves and gave them away as “Hugs from Gramma.”
Denise has earned a special place in the lives of her family and friends. Her kind concern, love and patience and Christian influence was greatly admired.
We are comforted by the knowledge that Denise fell asleep in the Lord and awaits the second coming.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2008, at the Salmon Arm Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 3720 60th Avenue, N.E., Salmon Arm, B.C. V1E 2A9.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to the Adventist Disaster Relief Agency (ADRA), 1148 King Street East, Oshawa, ON L1H 1H8.
Arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Service, Salmon Arm.