Matriarch of West Kelowna farm family dies at 100

The matriarch of the Paynter's Fruit Market family in West Kelowna has died at the age of 100.

Sheila Paynter was born on July 2, 1920 and died yesterday, July 22, according to an obituary notice. 

Sheila was a Westbank farming pioneer and attributed her longevity to farm life.

Henry Paynter arrived to Canada from England in 1919 and decided to set up shop on their prosperous acreage in 1952.

He married a local girl, Sheila McKay (Paynter), and the couple’s family grew to six children, 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Many of the family are still involved in the various farm lands and which have grown into a thriving agri-tourism business located at 3687 Paynter Rd. in West Kelowna.

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