Roxanne Berdene Purgett

In Loving Memory of Roxanne Berdene Purgett Roxanne Berdene Purgett, age 78, of Abbotsford, passed away peacefully in her home on Nov. 9, 2026. Roxanne was born on Jan. 7, 1948, to Donald and Berdene Thorson. She was truly one of a kind, the life of the party, the heart of the family, and the glue that held everyone together for so many years. There simply aren’t enough words to describe how amazing she was or how much she meant to all of us.

Roxanne was the kind of woman who would do absolutely anything for the people she loved. She was incredibly caring, generous, selfless, and giving. She didn’t just help raise her family; she helped raise half of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, giving them her time, her love, and everything she had. She was always there, always willing to help, and always putting everyone else before herself. Whether it was taking care of the kids, cooking a meal, lending a helping hand, or making sure everyone was taken care of, she did it all without hesitation. Her family was her world, and she showed that through everything she did.

Roxanne was married to Maynard Purgett for 56 wonderful years before his passing in 2021. Together, they raised two sons, Scott and Todd Purgett, and built a family filled with love, memories, and traditions that will carry on for generations.

She was always busy and never one to sit still. She worked multiple jobs throughout the years and took great pride in everything she did. Her strong work ethic never went unnoticed. She and Maynard also owned and operated a lawn-mowing business for many years, something she truly enjoyed.

Roxanne was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and homemaker. She was an excellent cook and baker, and there was always something special about being at her house. She loved music, her pets (Rosie, Tager, and Nellie), cardinals, penguins and most of all, being surrounded by the people she loved. She had a way of bringing people together, making everyone feel welcome, and filling a room with life. She was the life of the party, and family gatherings simply won’t be the same without her.

1948-2026

Roxanne’s love, generosity, strength, and unwavering dedication to her family were unmatched. She gave so much of herself to all of us, and there is no way to measure the impact she had on our lives. So much of who we are and the memories we will cherish are because of her. She leaves behind a family who was incredibly lucky to have her and who will forever be grateful for everything she did. Her absence will leave a hole in our family that can never be filled, but her love and the legacy she created will live on through all of us.

She is survived by her two sons, Scott Purgett and Todd Purgett, both of Owen; 11 grandchildren, Elizabeth, Emily, Benji, Erica, Nichole, Bryce, Bailey, Natasha, Kelsey, Jessica, and Zacharey; and 21 great-grandchildren, all of whom were blessed to have her love and presence in their lives. She is also survived by her siblings, Mark Thorson, Rhonda (Duke) Thorson, Brenda Behroyan, Wayne (Jackie) Thorson, Billy (Lena) Thorson, and Susan Thorson, along with many other loving family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Maynard Purgett; her parents, Donald and Berdene Thorson; and her sisters, Linda Thorson-Bruner, Jackie Sutherland, Paulette St. Clair, and Merry Beth Moran and her brother, Bryon Thorson.

Roxanne’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Kim Purgett for the incredible love, care, and support she provided to Roxanne, as well as to the entire family during this difficult time.

Roxanne was so much more than a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was our rock, our biggest supporter, our caretaker, and the person who always made sure everyone was okay. She was also a wonderful sister, and the entire family was blessed to have her. She gave us a lifetime of love, countless memories, and a family that will forever be connected because of her.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, 2026 at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Pastor Bruce Jahnke will officiate. Inurnment to follow at the Abbotsford Public Cemetery. Friends are welcome to greet the family from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Friday at the funeral home.

There will never be another Roxanne. We love you, Grandma. Thank you for absolutely everything.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.

Paid Obituary 190929