Karen Evelyn Vinge

Karen and Lorne are reunited! Karen was predeceased by her husband Lorne who died March 16, 2021. Their kids imagine Lorne using his trusty 1948 Ford tractor to clear a path through the snow January 18, 2024 for his Kari to join him in the great beyond for an espresso.

Karen spent her last week on earth with her girls singing her favourite hymns and Kurt and the girls playing a bit of scrabble in her room at Brandt's Creek, where she had spent the last 4 years after having to leave her beloved home in the woods. We wish to thank all of the staff at Brandt's Creek for their loving and tender care of her over these past years. They made it easy for us to help Mom cross over.

Flora, fauna, food, faith, family and friends. These were the things that mattered most to Karen. She started life August 16, 1933 in Cataldo Idaho, daughter of Evelyn and Selmer Kvern, sister to Neil and Stan- all who predeceased her. There is a party at God's place!

Karen met her life partner Lorne Vinge at Pacific Lutheran University and they had their first date at the Puyallup State Fair. Many years later we all gathered together as a family to hear Ralph speak at a church close to the fair grounds and they reminisced about that first date.

Karen and Lorne married in 1956 and immediately began to fulfill their dream of 6 kids around the table. Kurt, Kirsten, Sally, and Karla were born. Ralph joined the family in Saskatoon and after the move to Kelowna, Robin was born. They lived in Portland, Mission, Kamloops, Saskatoon and Kelowna, and everywhere they lived, mom attracted and cultivated close community connections.

Karen's focus was family and faith. Her children are so grateful to have been taught by her to care for others with food that nourishes body and soul, a loving curiosity for others, a sensitive listening ear and a fierce independent spirit.

Karen was always very involved in her Lutheran church community. She participated in a Bible study that continued her whole Kelowna life- is it 50 years? Mom was a bit of a rebel in her faith and raised the ire of her then pastor by taking the youth group to see “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Paramount theatre when it came out in 1973.

Karen was also a committed and joyful choir member her whole life. She and Lorne infused all of their children with a love of music and the miles she put on the cars driving her kids to and from music lessons is a testament to that.

Karen was a lifelong learner and was always open to challenging herself with learning new skills (cello at 60) and being open to new ideas. She met people where they were at and left judgement to others. Mom always made a point to acknowledge people personally with messages and cards of gratitude and she taught her children to do that as well.

Because of her influence, her kids had an endless and varied menagerie- poor allergic Dad! Racoons, gophers, kittens, dogs, turtles, snakes, rabbits, guinea pigs, crows, stellar jays, horses, chickens- you name it- Kurt (mostly) brought them home.

Mom went into battle in different ways for her children. She wrote many letters and fought to get appropriate cultural connection and support for Ralph and when health issues or heartbreak happened, Mom was always there to support each of us in a way that met our needs as individuals.

Karen was a dedicated Hospice volunteer who assisted many with the long journey home and for a number of years ran “Good Grief” camps for children and youth out of their home in the woods.

Karen also was a dedicated forest walker- putting on many miles with daily hikes above Okanagan Lake with beloved neighbours and friends through the years. One of mom's favourite flowers was the Lady slipper Orchid and she was always on the lookout for the flowers in the spring.

Karen will be missed by her children and their partners, her grandchildren and all who she crossed paths with. In lieu of flowers please donate money to Hospice or to a charity that you believe in with Kari in mind. The family hopes to meet together when the snow is gone, somewhere in nature to remember Karen, Mom, Grandma.