passed away on December 23, 2025, in Kelowna, BC, going to be with family who have gone before her.
Amalie Tepper was born in Sodie, Poland, on December 9, 1931. Her early life was shaped by war and displacement. Around 1939, when the Russians entered Poland, Amalie and her family fled to Germany. From there, after the war, an uncle sponsored them to immigrate to Canada. Not all of the family was accepted—her aunt’s family was sent to Montevideo, Uruguay.
Amalie arrived in Canada at the age of 16. She never returned to school and instead went to work. She found employment in Lake Country as a housemaid for the McCoubrey family, who treated her kindly and with respect.
January 14, 1950, Amalie married Fred Tepper. Together they raised five children: Margaret, Hilda, Don, Alfred, and Ingrid, and built a life rooted in work, faith, and family. Amalie spent 29 years employed at the packing houses in Lake Country, first at the Woodsdale Packing House, and then at the Lake Country Packing House. She also tended her own garden and orchard at home. Amalie’s garden was a source of pride and abundance. She tended a huge garden with patience, skill, and great care, and no visitor ever left empty-handed—arms were filled with fresh vegetables and fruit. A true expert orchardist, Amalie learned her craft by working in others’ orchards before spending many years nurturing her own. She knew every stage of the work—thinning, spraying, harvesting—and she looked after her trees with the same quiet dedication she brought to all parts of her life.
She was a gifted baker and cook. Her recipes remain a cherished part of family life. She attended the Lutheran church and held firmly to tradition. Sundays were sacred—reserved for company, conversation, and a special dinner. Amalie had the opportunity to travel to Europe, and also to South America, visiting her family in Uruguay.
Amalie is survived by her children, Margaret Bennison, Hilda Biermann, Don Tepper (Sharon Ozanne), Alfred (Carrie) Tepper, and Ingrid (Alan) Gatzke; grandchildren Paula (Carl) Dennert, Ryan Biermann (Allison Blanchette), Samatha (Lev) Zaytsoff, Travis (Sylvia) Tepper, Brett (Elissa) Tepper, Alexee Gatzke (Shawn DeHart), Anika Gatzke (Alex Manfretti); great-grandchildren Logan, Caitie, Maze, Dawson, and Wren; sister Hedy Neitsch; brother Danny Dobslaff; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Fred Tepper (d. July 4, 1990), and partner Richard Lizette (d. May 18, 2022).
There will be a Funeral Service on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 10:00 am (PST), at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC, with a reception to follow in the Family Centre at Springfield Funeral Home.
