Pollyanna Popoff

Pollyanna, the lady in purple, was full of style and grace. A beaming smile for all who greeted her, after all, she was truly a people person. She loved asking, “How old do you think I am?” She was thrilled when the guess was at least a decade younger than her actual age.

She took great pride in her appearance and wasn’t afraid to experiment; she tried every hair colour under the sun and changed styles to keep up with the latest trends. From the early 1950’s, she had a once-a-week hair appointment and a manicure every 3 to 4 weeks. This drew comments on how lovely she always looked, and she was often mistaken for her daughter’s sister. (Good news for her, not for her daughter.)

Pollyanna started life in relative poverty on a farm in Saskatchewan and spent her final days in a penthouse in the sky in Burnaby. She accomplished that feat through hard work and determination. And she managed to be generous with others, sharing with family and friends.

From picking hops as a teenager in the Fraser Valley, to waitressing in the 1940’s in downtown Vancouver and then training to be a supermarket cashier in the 1950’s, no job was too hard. She took great pride in a job well done.

Originally, she started at Shop-Easy, which became IGA, and then Save-On Foods. She said the customers chose her line because she was fast, accurate and always had time for a quick visit. In appreciation, they brought her presents at Christmas!

Truly she was ahead of her time. As a “working” mother of one, she managed to juggle jobs at home and out in the world, much as mothers do today. Her job as a retail clerk was done on a very basic cash register, requiring her to memorize prices and routines, much like today’s computer systems. That skill set probably made it easier for her to learn how to use an iPad in her 90’s!

Her home was her pride and joy, moving in 30 years ago, it became her solitude. She never wanted to leave, and she didn’t. It was a place for her and all she loved. It held her collections, her clothes, her family, and her memories. The more purple the better.

She managed to find love four times. Alex, Tom, Dave and Peter, all adored her and she them. But in the end, it was Alex she dreamed of. Lovely lady, rest in peace.

It is with great sadness we announce, Pollyanna Popoff (nee Paulina Popick), 97, of Burnaby, BC, died in Burnaby General Hospital of heart failure on July 5, 2026. Her daughter and granddaughters visited with their families throughout the day, making her last day a good day.

Pollyanna was born in Canora, Saskatchewan (SEC.19, TP32, RGE3, W2ND, SASK. – a quarter section homestead) to Sophie (nee Tupychka) Popick and Ivan Popik. She was 7th of 8 children.

Preceded in death by the love of her life, Alexander Henderson; Thomas Watt, her 2nd husband; David Popoff, her 3rd husband; and Peter Takasaki, her special friend; and all 7 of her siblings: Katherine Keller, Harry Popick, Steve Popyk, Ann Iwaniuk, Phyllis Hodge, Tillie Oyenhart, and Joyce Brient.

Left to mourn are her only daughter and son-in-law, Margo and Ken Lott; her granddaughters, Amber Lott, Heather Lott (Gary Boun); her great-grandchildren, Alexander Viger (Carly), Amelia Viger (Liam), Henderson and Everett; her sister-in-law Marion Henderson of Powell River; her grandson-in-law Greg Viger; the Denham family of Ladner and Edinburgh; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses who attended Pollyanna in the Emergency Ward of Burnaby General Hospital. Forever grateful to Dr. Cremona Ticea for the years of tender care she provided, always making Pollyanna feel she was heard. “Old age is not for the faint of heart!” Also remembering her caregiver, Ashley Pierre-Campeau, for making her final weeks joyful.

Celebration of Life (by invitation) on August 18th at Riverway Clubhouse in Burnaby and Burial Service (for immediate family) on August 25th at Boundary Bay Cemetery in Delta where Pollyanna will be interred with her mother.

Please remember Pollyanna in your thoughts. Donations to BC Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice are appreciated.