A memorial picnic bench will soon sit at a mother and daughter’s favourite beach in Okanagan Falls.
Michelle Bremner and her daughter Katelynne were killed in a crash while driving to Alberta for Family Day long weekend. The tragedy rocked the community, especially their many friends in the tight-knit town.
A well-attended candlelight vigil was held at Kenyon beach where Michelle and Katelynne spent so much time.
READ ALSO: Candlelight vigil for Okanagan Falls mom and daughter killed in crash
Their friends wanted to find a way to honour the pair and a picnic bench at their favourite beach seemed the perfect thing.
“Having a memorial picnic bench will allow their friends and their children a place in town to visit and remember all the great times we had together,” said the group.
Friends met with the parks and recreation staff to discuss a location. Then the park and rec association generously donated $1,000 of the cost. Very soon, the total costs for the picnic bench were covered.
“It’s a community coming together in a time of grieving and loss trying to keep spirits up,” said one friend.
Because they had money left over and so many people still wanted to donate on behalf of Michelle and Katelynne, the group decided they would set up a bursary for South Okanagan Secondary School in their names. So far $475 has been raised.
The bursary fundraiser will go until March 18. Donations are being accepted at the KJ Coffee Bar in Okanagan Falls.
Vigil organizer Ang Marcinko described Michelle as an incredible friend who can never be replaced.
“She was so thoughtful, sympathetic and charismatic. Her laugh was so contagious. Michelle would make friends anywhere and in any situation, she was in. She was likable by everyone,” said Marcinko.
“Her baby girl Katelynne was her world. Katelynne and Michelle were a mother-daughter duo, they went everywhere together.”
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