A life well lived is
an inspiration
Lorene Kathleen Kargus was born on April 1, 1922 to Nelson and Willow Kargus in Guelph, Ontario and was the oldest of five kids (Margaret, Len, Joyce and Susan).
Lorene met Lyle Engemoen in early 1943 in a delicatessen in Guelph where Lyle was training for his RCAF overseas posting. Dad was particularly attracted to a “slim young lady, well dressed and not the giggly type”. They corresponded during the war as promised. After the war, Lorene travelled to BC by train to join Dad in the Comox Valley. They were married in Cumberland in October, 1946. They built their home in Courtenay where they raised Jan, Craig and Judy. Lorene’s and Lyle’s lifelong dedication to creating their beautiful home gardens began here.
Lorene was a dedicated homemaker, committed to family for 20 years. She taught herself to cook, knit and sew, always taking on special projects like Cowichan sweaters and graduation dresses. The Sunday dinner tradition always had family and friends around the table for Mum’s delicious cooking. Mum was especially kind to young friends who remember her quirky sense of humour and post swim club meals to this day.
Lorene enjoyed walking–hiking picnics in her youth and later pushing baby carriages to downtown Courtenay (in her high heels). While raising three kids, Lorene volunteered at the hospital, baked for local fundraising events and gave generously throughout her life to several charities.
Her passion for fashion continued throughout her life. She went back to work in ladies’ retail fashion in 1966 and worked for 22 more years in Nanaimo and Coquitlam, enjoying the many new friendships that continued through her retirement. Lorene loved to laugh and she was fun to be around, always attracting people, including complete strangers.
Lorene is survived by Lyle, her husband of 69 years, their children and their partners, Jan (Graham) and Craig (Della), and grandchildren Sarah and Matthew, as well as nieces and nephews in Ontario. At Lorene’s request, there will be no service. Donations may be made in her name to BC Children’s Hospital.