ENGEL, Karen Hildegard (née Rempel)

April 27, 1962 — June 26, 2023

Karen went home to be with Jesus on June 26, 2023, at the age of 61 in Kelowna, BC. She was born on April 27, 1962, in Calgary, Alberta, and spent her childhood between Calgary and Kelowna where she made lifelong friendships. Karen was an incredibly devoted daughter, mother, sister, and friend.

Karen went to nursing school and graduated with distinction, but only was able to practice for two years before a car accident in Hawaii rendered her paralyzed and unable to continue working. Despite this significant change, she maintained fierce independence throughout her recovery, into motherhood, and life after the accident. She became a certified reading therapist later on in life and helped many kids learn to read. She relied heavily on her faith in God to see her through the difficulties of life in a wheelchair, as well as her sense of humour and optimism.

Her faith was her primary passion as evidenced by her involvement in Capernwray, YWAM, church and school prayer groups, teaching Sunday school, Watchmen for Canada gatherings, and was working toward becoming a spiritual director over the last year. She lived well and loved well with great enthusiasm for life, finding joy in relationships, and gratitude for the minute details of birdsong and scenic drives. Her life wasn’t without deep struggle, and yet her resolve remained strong to live a full, meaningful life, and not let her life circumstances stop her. Though she required some physical support, she was often a source of emotional and spiritual support for her family and friends.

She loved parties to bring people together, creating an atmosphere of acceptance and laughter that attracted others to her in large numbers. She made people feel at ease, seen, and loved immediately, creating strong connections. She never took offense and was always charitable to others, believing the best in everyone.

Karen loved many things: her kids, her family and friends, her dogs, writing, hosting, bright colours, silly nicknames, chai lattes (fluffy drinks), sponge burgers and prickly pop, taking photos, visits with friends on the king-sized bed, and beautiful views. She also had strong opinions, many words to share, and a quirky sense of humour.  She made a decision when she was diagnosed with cancer to face it with courage and grace, and her positivity and love of all continued to the end.

Karen was predeceased by her father John Rempel. She is survived by her loving family, son Daniel Engel (Michelle Lukas) and daughter Patrice Engel; her mother Kathe Rempel; her aunt Hilda Hamm; brother Victor (Marcia) Rempel; and sister Elsie Rempel; along with cousins, nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. She is also survived by the many whom she adopted into her heart as family.

We want to thank the many friends and family members who have been instrumental in providing emotional and practical support for both Karen and our family throughout the last few months, as well as staff at KGH and the Kelowna Hospice House for their care.

We will be gathering to remember Karen on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 2:00 pm, at the Metro Hub at 1265 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by YouTube at the time of the service (see below)

If you feel so inclined, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to some of her favourite charities: Freedom’s Door,  Gospel For Asia, or Christians for Israel.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

LIVESTREAM:

Service Details

The service for ENGEL, Karen Hildegard (née Rempel) is scheduled for Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 2:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Metro Hub at 1265 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC.

1265 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC.

Phone:

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Special Requests:

None.

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