Violet Katarina Stefanko

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Violet Stefanko (nee Nordstrand), age 96, on December 13, 2024. She went peacefully after a long and courageous 9-year battle of breast cancer.

Violet is survived by her daughters Lori (Bruce) and Linda (Keith), grandchildren Fraser (Melissa), Leighton (Sophie), Teresa (Kodi), Austin (Robin), Kelsey (Corey), great-grandchildren Alice, Clara, Elizabeth, Jordan, Remi and Lani, and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Roy, parents Gottfrid and Tekla Nordstrand, and brothers Earl and Walt. Violet was born in 1928 in New Westminster and was a true Sappertonian who lived most of her life in and around the area. After meeting her true love Roy at a Queens Park Dance, they fell in love, married (62 years), and built their home in Burnaby where they raised their 2 daughters.

She was a true and dedicated employee of The Bank of Montreal straight out of high school for many years, taking a few years off to raise her beloved girls and then to return until retirement. She also volunteered for many years as the PAC babysitter at Richard McBride School as well as the Welcome Wagon Lady for newborns at RCH where her kindness and endearing lovable nature captured the hearts of students, new moms and babies.

She will be forever remembered as the most loving, caring, wife, mom, grandma and GG to us all. Our home was always filled with love, music and laughter. Violet had an infectious laugh, and kind spirit that would fill and brighten any room she ever entered. She was also a wonderful friend to many, including their beloved gang at The Totem Model A & T Ford Club. Here both Violet and Roy enjoyed years of parading in their beautiful 1930 Model A, but most of all enjoyed lifelong friends that all just loved to have a good time and dance, and dancing they did, such a joy to watch them on the dance floor. But most of all Violet just loved raising her family, her nurturing nature not only poured out to her family, but also to all of our friends, as our door was always open. We will forever miss you mom but know you and Roy are laughing and dancing again in heaven. We wish to send special thanks to Dr. Cristine Simmons at BC Cancer Clinic and all the loving and caring staff at Royal City Age-care.

A celebration of life will be on held on Sunday, Feb 23, 2025. Details to follow, email: betterso@telus.net.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to BC Breast Cancer.