Erna Bukovnik

1931 – 2020

On September 13, 2020, Erna Bukovnik, much loved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away at the age of 89.

Erna was born in Slovenske Konjice, in the former Yugoslavia (now Slovenia) on April 13, 1931 – although she celebrated her birthday on April 16, which was her name day. She married Leo Bukovnik in 1950 and together they raised three sons, Leo Jr., Rudy and Tony.

In 1955, Erna and Leo Jr. left Europe for Canada, where they joined Leo. Sr who had come ahead to find a new home for his young family. They settled in Athalmere and were married for 60 years before Leo Sr. passed in 2010.

Erna was very proud of her new country and she dedicated much of her free time giving back to the community. For more than 50 years she volunteered weekly with the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Society (formerly the Ladies’ Hospital Auxiliary), where she is a past president. She was also very involved with the Catholic Church and served in many roles, including organizing the weekly fellowship and as a Eucharistic Minister. Erna loved to grow flowers and always made sure the alter was decorated for Sunday morning mass.

Erna is survived by her sons, Leo Jr., Rudy (Lisa) and Tony (Elli), her grandchildren Tasha, Ivan (Stacey), Isabel, Gina and Anya, and her great grandson Marek. She also leaves behind her sisters Hedi and Olga, sister-in-law Karla, and many nieces and nephews.

A small funeral service (due to COVID-19) for Erna will be held on September 17, 2020. In lieu of flowers donations in Erna’s honour may be made to the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Society.

www.mcphersonfh.com

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