Thelma Jean Bigler

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear mom, grandma, great grandma and Auntie. Mom was born in Indian Head, Sask. As a young girl she grew up on the farm in Rocanville, Sask. Mom started work for the Bank of Toronto in 1953 and retired with the Bank of Montreal in Kelowna. She was a life time member of the ANAF #376. She received her 50 year pin just this last April. She loved being a member and being part of the ladies Auxiliary. She spent many hours there volunteering and most importantly making life time friends whom she cherished.

She married Ed Kirby in 1955, they had 3 children, Barb, Cathy and Brent. She was a dedicated mom, always taking us to girl guides, piano lessons, skating, swimming lessons, ball and hockey, among many others.

She remarried to Tony (Anthony) Bigler in 1977 and remained with Tony till his passing in 2004. Together they spent many years camping and fishing in the TJ. They traveled all over B.C. and Alberta trying to find the “Big” fish. Mom was 86 when she finally retired driving her big motorhome and that was only done reluctantly. They also did a 6 week tour of Europe together and enjoyed many sights.

Mom’s greatest joy was her family, whom she loved fiercely. That love just continued to grow with every grandchild and great grandchild born to her. Having family dinners with everyone gathered around her huge table with her at the helm cooking was her idea of perfect, chaos and all. She particularly took pride in the fact that everyone would dive into her home made Dill pickles and everyone trying to steal a jar to take home with them.

Mom will sadly be missed by all that knew her. Her generous heart and willingness to help anyone at any time. A heart of gold is now gone. We love you mom and we will carry your love and wisdom with us forever.

Jean is pre-deceased by her husband Tony Bigler, her parents William and Catherine Manson, her sister and brother-in-law Shirley and Ken Andrews, niece Dianne Andrews, son-in-law Gord Senger, step son Larry Bigler.

She is survived by her daughter Barb Senger, daughter Cathy (Lance) Smith, son Brent (Heather) Kirby. Grandchildren Matt (Jodi) Senger, Curtis (Kelly) Senger, Travis (Stacie) Smith. Kayla Smith, Chad Smith, Hailey (Clinton) Boychuk, Brayden (Erika) Kirby. Great Grandchildren Camryn Senger, Kinsley Senger, Nixon Wanner, Olivia Senger, Hanna Senger, Tyson Senger, Skyden Smith, Marlowe Kirby.

She is also survived by stepsons Ron (Gay) Bigler, Rick Bigler, and step daughter –in-laws Terry Fraser, Cindy (Dieter) Hassel, Step Grandchildren Sean (Cindy), Kim (Steve), Jordie, Kelsey (Cody). Step Great Grandchildren, Jessie, Kali, Isabella, Kane, Lilia.

Also survived by sister Marilyn (Don) Benninger, niece Val Andrews, and many other nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life will be held July 9th, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Valleyview Funeral Home at 165 Valleyview Road. Reception to follow at the ANAF on Grey Road.

Mom requested any donations to be made to the ANAF #376 Ladies Auxiliary and in lieu of flowers, please just give your mom a hug if you can.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services (Dignity Memorial) Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299