Born In: Fort Francis, Ontario Canada
Born: September 19, 1937
Passed On: March 6, 2021 at the age of 83 years old
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Erna Lapa on March 6, 2021 at the
Kamloops Hospice. Erna is survived by her loving son Kenton (Bonnie), Candace and Carter
Nadeau; sister Alona Burger; nephews Vaughn (Suzanne) Richardson, Craig Richardson; nieces
Claire Richardson, Cindee Richardson, Kirsten Burger, Natasha Burger. Erna is predeceased by
her husband Andy (2008), son Carey (2011), son Kevin (1985), sister Viola. Erna Marie was born
September 19, 1937 in Fort Francis, Ontario where she grew up. She went to nursing school in
Fort William, Ontario where she received her registered nursing degree in 1958. She met Andy
on a blind date, and they were married in 1959. While living in Ontario Erna and Andy had their
three boys Carey, Kevin, and Kenton and in 1966 made the decision to move their family to the
community of Westsyde in Kamloops, BC. Erna kept herself busy raising three boys and working
as a fulltime nurse at BCtel. Erna worked at BCtel for nineteen years. After retirement Erna and
Andy moved to their dream home on the Shuswap where she enjoyed spending her days
swimming, gardening in her secret garden, stich club with her lady friends, she loved playing
her piano, doing sudko puzzles, and had a passion for cooking amazing meals. Friends and
family were always welcome to the lake for boat rides, bbqs, bonfires and wine. Erna loved
entertaining everyone who came to visit at the Shuswap. She always had a special love for cats.
Erna’s family would like to say a special thank you to the Kamloops hospice for their exceptional
care, support, compassion, and kindness to Erna during her time there. Thank you to Dr. Kruger
for his kindness. A memorial service for family and close friends is being held for Erna March 19
at the Kamloops Cemetery.
10 Tributes
Kent:
We are so grateful to have had your Mum as a friend enjoying so many happy times together.
A special lady who is missed.
deep thoughts of sympathy, Bill and Erna
My sincere condolences to the loss of your mom or family member. Erna may you rest in peace . You will always be with me in thoughts.
Love Gerry Kendall
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. Erna worked for me at B.C. Tel in the Occupational Health Dept. Erna was a great nurse and an excellent support for the employees of the Interior Division. She will be missed. Sharon Blaney
I was so sorry to hear this news. Erna was such a delightful and thoughtful person. We missed her at the Shuswap NeedleArts Guild when she moved to Kamloops. Our sympathy in your loss.
Kent I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom. Doug and I and your Mom and Dad had great trips together. Doug, your Dad and Mom are gone. Years go by too fast. They will be always in my thoughts.
My sincerest condolences to the Lapa Family. Erna was a great friend and I will cherish my memories of our tour to the Maritimes and to Vancouver for the New Years Eve celebration in December 2019.
May memories bring you strengh and love. Your Mom was a wonderful person and her kindness the greatest. Our thoughts are with you.
– Dave & Pat Dennis
We feel for you during this difficult time. We have fond memories of your Mom as a great friend and neighbour for so many years here on Orcrest. Memories are forever. Hugs the Hansens.❤️
I’m so sorry to learn of Erna’s passing. She was a delightful person and I always enjoyed her company.I know she will be missed by so many. I knew her through the Shuswapd Needleworks Guild.
Dear Erna’s family
Sorry for you loss. I have only known Erna, your Mom, for a couple of years through friendship with Shirley. Always a joy to be with whether shopping at VV or having Supper and Movie.
She was very generous and had a great sense of humour. Will always have great memories.
I want you to know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Warmest sympathy – Ella Morrow