We Remember
MOEN, Karen
September 18, 1921 — March 20, 2024
On March 20, 2024, Karen Moen passed away peacefully surrounded by family. She is survived by her daughter Astri (Ken); grandchildren Martin (Sookyoung), Kristian (Valentina), Debbie (Russell), and Michael (Shay); and great-grandchildren Dylan, Kelsey (Tallon), Peter, Alan, Landon, Presley, and Persaeus. She was predeceased by her husband Konrad Moen; son Ingar Moen; and grandson Craig Lesmister.
The Moen family left Norway in 1957 and came to Canada. They settled in Burnaby where Karen was a homemaker, Konrad was a millwright and the children started school. They had many friends who emigrated at the same time, and many good times together. There was always a good reason for a get-together. Karen and Konrad soon joined the Sons of Norway, a folk dancing group was formed and they entertained at many occasions.
In 1983, shortly after Konrad retired, they moved to Kelowna and joined the Sons of Norway there. Karen could be seen working in the garden which she loved, and Konrad could be heard playing the accordion and singing. Karen and Konrad made many trips back to Norway to visit family and relatives. They liked to travel and covered most of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. On their 50th anniversary, they went on the Alaskan cruise.
Konrad was struggling with arthritis and passed away in 1994. There were some sad and lonely times for Karen but she kept herself busy with friends, family, and garden. In 2000 the home got too much and she purchased a condo in Kelowna which she enjoyed. Her favourite spot was her balcony with a glass of wine. Then in 2021 before she turned 100 she moved to Lakeshore Place where she enjoyed new and old friends. She was an active member of the Sons of Norway where she could share her Norwegian recipes and traditions. Karen was a very good cook, loved lutefisk, rommegraat, potetlefse, made many kransekaker for the family at Christmas. There are also many of her wall weavings which she made and pictures which she painted. Karen had many talents and she enjoyed them all.
The family would like to thank Lakeshore Place for making her last years enjoyable and thank Glenmore Lodge for looking after Mom in her last days.
A private service will be held in Norway, during which Karen will be laid to rest with her late husband and parents.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
What a great friend you have been over many years; thanks. I will always miss you.
I
Karen will surely be missed by all her friends at Sons of Norway. Prior to covid, Karen would join our group to work on crafts every Tuesday morning = she was still knitting Norwegian mittens up to 2019!! What a dear lady.
Our hearts go out to Karen’s family for your loss. A finer, more authentic individual you would never meet. Karen Moen epitomized grace, warmth, kindness, resilience and thoughtfulness. We met through Sons of Norway who recommended Karen translate a century old Norwegian document. Karen became a dear friend and a positive role model. Her calm demeanor reflected her healthy well-being. She was amazingly independent, walked everywhere, formed lasting respectful, reciprocal relationships, was active in Sons of Norway, and remained intellectually curious and interested in others and new experiences. At a century old she was still baking her famous Bløtkake with whipped cream and strawberries for her friend’s birthdays, knitting socks for presents, and reading books. Karen, ever humble, expressed her creative ability through her painting, weaving, cooking and knitting. Her home was filled with beauty and warmth which reflected her Norwegian heritage and values. Through Karen I learned more about my Norwegian heritage; she lent me her book on bunads, shared her krumkake recipe, showed me her intricately carved spoons and tine box and discussed Norwegian traditions. Karen had a knowing smile, a twinkle in her eyes ,especially when we talked about cats, and she loved to laugh. She also loved to hear stories and share a good story. Just last month she related that although she never skated, she grew up skiing with her family, and later she enjoyed skiing with her husband Konrad and their children. “After moving to Kelowna we enjoyed many good times with friends from The Sons of Norway who had a cabin in the mountains”. she said, “A group of us would go up skiing and we women would make potato lefse and have lots of laughs” “Unfortunately, the cabin burnt down, not sure of the cause, it was a shame, but we had many good memories.”
Yes, we will remember you Karen, and each of us will have unique and precious memories of the beautiful spirit we call Karen. “Take care of yourself” she would say, and she would want each of you to do the same.
With love and gratitude, Marina
We are sharing in your family’s sadness. The many wonderful memories we have of Karen will be so very cherished and held within our hearts. She was more than a friend; she was family, and she will be sorely missed.
With loving thoughts and sincere condolences,
Jorvill, Sissel, and Lisa
We have fond memories of our Scandinavian folk dancing days with Karen and Konrad. and then later on with Karen. Our lefse making sessions at the hall prior to Folkfest were when I learned to roll out lefse – by watching Karen. In more recent years we took freshly made lefse to Karen at Christmas and she was always so welcoming. We will miss her. Wilf and Bev Akerlund
Karen was very good friend of mine since we came to Canada.
i will miss her so very much.
But there are all the good memories to look back on.
Will miss you dearly Karen
METTE RIISE