Jolane Hoornaert

Jolane Hoornaert, was ushered home in the arms of her Lord, on Sunday, September 27, 2020. Jolane was an only child to Joseph and Julia Matiz in Nagylonya, Hungary on December 5, 1920. She would have made the milestone of 100 years old this December. Jolane was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband Napoleon Mitchell "Leon" Hoornaert, her beloved son Dale Hoornaert (Diane), and precious great grandchild Nora Lewis. Jolane will be missed greatly by her daughter Yvonne Waines (Doug), daughter Elaine Thomas (Daniel), daughter-in-law Diane Hoornaert, grandchildren, Michelle Greenwell (David), Charlene Waines Wiltink, Adam Wiltink, Jan Lewis (Darren), Jaime Thomas (Giovanni), Jarett Thomas (Jessica) and great grandchildren, MacKenzie, Michelle, Jessica, Carson, Josiah, Nevaeh, Makayla, Dylan and Luke.

In 1925 Jolane and her mother immigrated to Canada to join her father who was working in the coal mine in Lethbridge, AB. They later moved to Osoyoos, BC. Jolane met the love of her life Leon at a dance and they married on June 1, 1938. They danced together for the next 62 years. Together Jolane and Leon made their first home in Victoria, before moving to Osoyoos BC. They started out with an orchard and ground crops until they built and ran the Avalon Motel, then expanded with the Peanut Lake Trailer Court and the Avalon Drive In.

In 1968 they sold the businesses and bought an orchard in Kaleden, BC, working the orchard throughout "retirement" and always still enjoying the Saturday Night Dances, music and country life. After Leon's death in 2001, Jolane resided in Penticton and later Kelowna to be close to family. For many years, Jolane's balcony bloomed with her flowering "little people" and she continued her love of gardening, playing piano, organ, and accordion. She also enjoyed playing board games with the family and the many family dinners and get togethers. Many generations enjoyed her homemade jams, bread, and twists.

The family would like to thank the incredible staff at the Village at Smith Creek and Gellatly wing in West Kelowna, and to Dr. Williams, who were so caring, kind and understanding to both Jolane and the family. A private family graveside service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jolane's memory can be made to: https://www.baptisthousing.org/donate and choose Kelowna & Interior, Smith Creek Village.

A Graveside Service was held on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Penticton Lakeview Cemetery. For the safety of friends and family, the service was livestreamed. To watch a recording of the service, please click the link below.