Heidi Martha Frehner

May 19, 1933 – January 28, 2026

Heidi Martha Frehner (92) of Vernon, British Columbia died peacefully from ovarian cancer at Hospice House on January 28, 2026.

 Heidi grew up on a farm in Switzerland. At 16, she met Max, the love of her life, when she brought a can of milk to the cheese factory every day using a dog cart. Not long after that, Max immigrated to Canada.

At 19, Heidi got on a boat and sailed to Canada and married Max. Southern Ontario was where they raised five children and managed cheese factories in Thamesford and Wellburn before moving to St. Marys. In Ontario, she was active with the United Church Women, Sunday school teaching, the Women’s Institute, as well as a leader in 4H and the Order of the Eastern Star. She loved to quilt with her friends at the Friendship Center. 

In 1993, Heidi and Max made the big move to Vernon. They adjusted well to retirement and soon joined Knox Presbyterian Church and the Vernon Outdoors Club embracing hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. Heidi continued her civic commitment as treasurer for both Knox and the Outdoors Club. 

Heidi and Max were married for 71 years and will always love and care for each other. Max passed away in 2024. Heidi is survived by children: Harry (Norma), Sylvia (Claude), Esther (Fred), Ron (Deb) and Peter; grandchildren: Rudy, Pascale, Matt, Heidi, Lee (deceased), Alex, Sarah, Katie, Ben and Emily; step-grandchildren: Eric, Laura and Katie; and great-grandchildren: Hadrian, Hannah, Mia, Max, Owen, Milo, Auggie, Lucie, Zoe and Emmett and one more on the way. 

Heidi will always be remembered as a kind and generous person who enjoyed the beauty of nature, held a deep faith in God and cherished her family and friends.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North Okanagan Hospice Society in Vernon.

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-558-0866

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: