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KAREN HONOR TORGRUD (ENNO)
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
KAREN HONOR TORGRUD
(nee ENNO)
1932 - 2022
After a brief battle with cancer, our mother, Karen, passed away at Riverview Health Centre at the age of 89.
She is survived by her children, Laine (Tania) and Julie (Kelly), her grandson Caelan, her step-grandchildren, Kelsey (Pat) and Kevin (Sam), step-great-grandchildren, Jake and Remi, sister Sandra, brothers, Timothy and Gordon (Valarie), and innumerable other members of the close Enno clan. She was predeceased by Raymond, her loving husband of 56 years; mother Hilja, father Timothy, sisters, Ruby and Manon, sister-in-law Gloria Enno, and brothers-in-law, David Kandal, Arnold Petersen, and Joe Miller.
Mom was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta and grew up in the legendary (to Enno's, anyway) Enno family home on the banks of the Red Deer River in Red Deer, Alberta. The Enno's were a very close-knit family, and each had each other's backs at all times. Life in the home was infused with music (mother Hilja played, while everyone sang), board games like Monopoly or Sorry, and relentless outdoor adventuring, including frequent swims in the nearby river. Mom loved going to school in Red Deer, where she excelled both academically and athletically. She also had the good fortune of forming lifelong friendships with some of her classmates.
After graduating high school, Mom wrote and edited advertisements for radio, meeting future husband Ray while working at CKRD radio in Red Deer (they married in 1954). She also obtained a degree in education and worked as a teacher. Ray and Karen moved to Winnipeg in 1960, where Dad continued his broadcasting career, while Mom doted over her children. Among a million other accomplishments, she kept us well fed, ensured school projects and homework were done, continued the Enno tradition of family board games, and squired us to a cornucopia of lessons and activities. She also shared with her children her love of the outdoors, kindness to animals, and fascination with celestial events such as meteor showers. Our family moved to our home in St. James in 1967, where Mom again - true to form - made a number of lifelong friends, several of whom became regular morning joggers.
In her late 40s, Mom returned to school and obtained a Master's degree in education. She went on to a second career in teaching, partly out of the love of it, but also to help finance our many wonderful family vacations (Thanks, Mom!). We have it on good authority that she was an effective educator, well-liked by her students, and a good influence on the children she taught.
Mom always believed in staying active, both physically and mentally. She completed a half marathon when in her late 50s, jogged regularity into her 70s, and was only slowed when, at age 83, she insisted on playing tennis with her grandson Caelan and managed to break her leg. Despite this setback, she remained committed to active living throughout her 80s, walking regularly for a mile or two several times a week. On the more cerebral side of the equation, Mom enjoyed reading (especially mystery novels and popular science), doing crosswords and sudoku, and engaging in spirited political debates with her children. She also found entertainment in watching curling and tennis (especially when Roger Federer played), British TV murder mysteries, and Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals (the Phantom was a definite favourite).
Two of Mom's central qualities were her selflessness, and her unshakable, positive attitude. We saw both on display in her final days, as she worried more about how her children were taking her diagnosis than she worried about herself, and as she reflected on the many blessings of her 89 years. Mom believed that a positive outlook was important and that you had to work at it: She lived that philosophy right through her final days.
The family would like to express their thanks to the caring staff of the St. Boniface Hospital Emergency Department and of the Riverview Health Centre. We would also like to thank Eirik Bardal for his capable and compassionate handling of our mother's final affairs.
At Mom's request there will be no memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, or to a charity of your choice.
We love you Mom and will always miss you.
NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 02, 2022
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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Sincere condolences...... - Posted by: ADRIANO TRINAISTICH (Aquaintance) on: Jun 06, 2022
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I taught across the hall from Karen at Strathmillan School in the late 1980s. It was a pleasure to have her as a colleague. We shared many laughs, teaching ideas, complaints, and on and on. When I transferred to Brooklands, she sent me a box of books along with a box of cherry chocolates because “one should always find something good in a box of old books”. We drifted apart after she retired. Condolences to her family who she loved most dearly. - Posted by: Cathie Morgan Matula (Former colleague) on: Apr 07, 2022
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Dear Laine and Julie, my deepest condolences to you and your families on Karen‘s passing. The strength, kindness and tenderness so well reflected in her obituary were demonstrated to our family both in her shared condolences with us at the time of Donna’s passing and in the many wonderful qualities that Laine brought to our family. While there will always be great sadness at the passing of a family member there will also be comfort in knowing of a life well lived. Karen‘s life story demonstrated that well. I have always appreciated my conversations with her. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. - Posted by: Jerry MacNeil (Father-in-law to Son Laine) on: Apr 06, 2022
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Laine, Tania, Julie and Caelan, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of Grandmère. The few times we chatted, I loved Karen's spirit, zest for life and her love of sports, especially tennis! A beautiful tribute and know that I am thinking of you all during this time. xo - Posted by: Candy (Badger) on: Apr 04, 2022
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Dear Julie and Lane, Edward and I would like to express our condolences in the passing of your dear Mother. As you know, we had a few meals with her and really appreciated getting to know her. She was a hugely interesting person and a very congenial and considerate neighbour. Edward and are praying for you. Helen Hughes. - Posted by: Helen and Edward Hughes (Neighbour.) on: Apr 03, 2022
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Sorry Laine and family to hear of the loss of your mom and grandmother. My prayers are with you. What a beautiful tribute this is to your mom and the closeness of your family. Sandra Franz - Posted by: sandra franz (Friend ) on: Apr 03, 2022
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Mrs. Torgrud was a sweet lady who lived 3 houses over from us on Valley View Drive. We used to play hide and seek with Laine and Julie, and the Deegan kids, and she would be out working in the garden constantly. I remember her as a very nice person and a hard worker. Laine & Julie (and families), I hope you find peace at this time of loss, and can be comforted with meaningful shared memories. - Posted by: Paul Hughes (Neighbour ) on: Apr 02, 2022
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We lived on the same street for over 40 years. Our daughters Julie and Deborah have been best friends since elementary school. Karen was a very quiet person who lived life for her two children. I have many memories of Karen and Ray but my favourite is going to Russia with Karen, Ray and Laine to watch Julie play ringette. My condolences to Julie and Laine and your families. May the memories of your mom help you smile through this difficult time. - Posted by: Joan Einarson (Neighbour) on: Apr 02, 2022
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Julie and family So very sorry for the loss of Karen. As a long time neighbour and also educator who knew Karen please know how much she meant to her students and friends. She truly was an amazing and lovely person! - Posted by: Penny and Terry Berntt (Neighbour) on: Apr 02, 2022
