REIMER, Brigitte Reimer

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Brigitte, who died at Kelowna General Hospital on November 15, 2025.

She was born Brigitte Zickmantel on September 20, 1935, in Paramaribo, in what was then Dutch Guiana (now Suriname). Predeceased by her loving husband Howard Reimer, she is survived by children Douglas, Elizabeth and Neil; daughters-in-law Barbara and Amy; and grandchildren Kade, James, Heather, Alex, and Anneka.

She lived a full and interesting life, residing in Dutch Guiana, Venezuela, the United States, and Canada. English was her fourth language, after German, Dutch, and Spanish. After completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Richmond (Virginia) Brigitte immigrated to Canada and stayed with her parents on Falkland Ranch before doing her secondary teacher training at UBC. She met her future husband, Howard Reimer, in the observation deck of the train while travelling from Vancouver to Hamilton. They married and lived in Winnipeg, where Brigitte obtained a master’s degree in history and embarked on her teaching career while raising three children.

The family eventually settled in Kelowna, and Brigitte devoted her life to teaching high school English and German, as well as counselling students. She also ran the school’s debating team and trained judges for district competitions. She and Howard became active leaders in their church and Habitat for Humanity. Chamber music was a passion for both Brigitte and Howard; they were founding and long-time board members of the Kelowna Chamber Music Society. Brigitte travelled many times to Banff for the biennial week-long international string quartet competition. They also loved entertaining, and Brigitte hosted many dinner parties for friends and family. Brigitte was a great cook, and her delicious pies, especially, are etched in her children’s and grandchildren’s memories.

Brigitte took great pride in her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments in academics, sports, and music. An enthusiastic tennis player in her day, she was a keen sports fan and enjoyed following Doug’s varsity volleyball teams. She remained an avid reader throughout her life. She had a thoughtful perspective on current events and donated generously to a multitude of organisations that worked to alleviate suffering in the world.

Brigitte was a warm, perceptive, and outgoing person who touched many with her kindness. Her interest in the lives of the people she cared about and her energetic spark remained with her to her last days. She will be sorely missed by her family and her many friends, and neighbours in Kelowna and beyond. The family would like to thank her wonderful neighbours and loyal friends who supported Brigitte at the end.