Obituaries

KALAMEN, Audrey Eleanor

May 22, 1922 – February 6, 2021

Audrey Eleanor Kalamen, born May 22, 1922, passed into the presence of her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and joined her heavenly family February 6, 2021, at the age of 98 years. Audrey is survived by her son, David Kalamen, and her daughter, Barbara Giesbrecht, and their families.

Mom was born in Montreal, Quebec and her family were founding members of the first Pentecostal church established there. They had a profound encounter with the Holy Spirit as a family and when Mom married Dad, Arnold Kalamen, together they church planted and pastored churches across Canada: Campbelltown, NB (where David was born), Glace Bay, NS (where Barbara was born), Halifax, NS, Kamloops, BC, Montreal, QC, Yarmouth, NS, and Kelowna, BC. Mom was key to Dad’s ministry success, using her musical skills to lead the churches.

She had a love for the outdoors, for fishing, family campfires, playing piano, and cross-country skiing. She loved life: loved to laugh, loved family and friends, loved to travel, loved to play and sing, loved to pray, loved the presence of God. The staff at Cottonwoods loved Mom’s smile, her gentleness, her gratitude for every kindness, and her contentment with life.

We as a family have been deeply blessed by her over the years in so many different ways: we will miss the maple fudge, the butterscotch pies, the encouraging phone calls, her zest for life, the mischievous twinkle in her eye, her game to try new things. No one is lost when we know where they are, and Mom, we will see you again.

Mom saw a lot of changes during her lifetime – some good, some bad, some past, some very recent – but one thing that never changed was her love for God, His Church and her family. Thankfully, even in the midst of a very confusing COVID experience, Barbara and I were permitted to love on her and feed her lunch three times a week. Though she struggled to understand the nursing environment under COVID, she never had to struggle to understand her family’s love for her.

Mom’s last days were pain free and peaceful. Her room was inundated with gospel hymns and a wonderful sense of the presence of God and the love of her family. As a musician, and a woman of prayer, this atmosphere of worship which permeated her room, was key to creating this wonderful, peaceful transition. We will never forget the memories of singing and worshipping together.

Thanks to the staff at Cottonwoods, all of the family were able to say their final goodbyes to a precious mom, nanny, and great-grandma: David’s wife Carleen and children - Brodie Kalamen (wife, Natalie, and children, Evangeline, Kaden and Judah), Ryan Kalamen, and Kerri Frey (husband, Nathan and children, Kyla, Madison, and Rielynn); and Barbara’s husband Terry and children – Chad Giesbrecht (Jayden, Kylanna and Wyatt), and Justin Giesbrecht (wife, Shawna and children, Alexis and Carter). Alan Hart, her sister Lila’s only son, and his two children, Amy and Kelsey, were also able to visit with Mom before she passed. We are grateful for the loving, gentle and dignified manner in which the Cottonwood staff treated our Mom throughout her stay there, but especially during her last days.

Audrey was predeceased by her husband, Arnold Kalamen, March 13, 2013. Both Dad and Mom left us a wonderful natural and spiritual legacy and challenged us to serve people. Through Evangel Church and Kelowna Christian Center, three generations of Kalamens (Arnold, David and now, Brodie) and Giesbrecht’s have invested over 100 years of pastoral care into the spiritual life of this City. Every one of the family noted above carries a love for God, a love for His Church, and are ministry minded in reference to caring for the health of the souls of the people of this City. As her family, we have been richly provided for with everything that truly counts, for today and eternity.

Due to COVID restrictions and protocol, both the viewing and the graveside service will be strictly for family. She will be buried alongside her husband at Kelowna Cemetery Tuesday, February 16, 2021 with Rev. David Kalamen officiating. In lieu of flowers, if family and friends so desire, donations can be made to missions for Mexico through Kelowna Christian Center – www.kcc.net. Condolences can be sent to family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com (Click direct link below).

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/kalamen-audrey-eleanor

Condolence Messages

Apr 08, 2021
So sorry about the physical loss of your dear Mom, nanny and grandma. Praise the Lord that she is home, and you will all see her again. God is good.

Regards

Dan and Sherry Kennedy
Mar 09, 2021
Audrey was such a wonderful person who's light shone so brightly. What a kind soul she was; with a sweet presence about her. She will surely be missed by so many, including myself. Blessings to her family and dear friends. May you be frequently reminded of every thing about her that was lovely.

Lenora Wickenheiser
Feb 27, 2021
Condolences to David and Barbara and all your families. We remember your mom

with great fondness. She was such a strength as she ministered beside her husband

Arnold. In the 70's when we were young in the ministry they were such wonderful

roll models for us. You will miss your mom, but she is united with the two loves

of her life; Arnold and her beloved Saviour, Jesus.

Blessings: Dan and Charlotte Friesen
Feb 26, 2021
I am sorry so for your loss. She is happy and watching it all with her new body and loving heart.

Sandra Steptoe
Feb 21, 2021
I have many fond memories of Mrs. Kalamen when her and her husband, Arnold Kalamen were the pastors of Evangel. To this day, I remember how she would pray, whether it be in a church service, or a Bible Study, or wherever she was. She prayed with authority and a confidence in her voice, because she knew her God.

I am so grateful for those memories as a youth because it reinforced my trust and my relationship with God to be around someone who absolutely loved the Lord the way Mrs. Kalamen did.

My prayers and thoughts are extended to all the family. Although it is a joyous occasion to be called home, there will still be sadness for her loved ones.

May God grant you peace, strength and comfort as only He can.

Sharon Heywood Pranil
Feb 19, 2021
I walked into KCC in 1983 as a rather confused 18 year old young girl.I was sitting alone when a lovely lady motioned me over to sit with her. Mrs. Kalamen's kindness and non judgement is something I've never forgotten in 38 years. The Lord blessed me with that divine meeting, and for that I'll be forever grateful. May your family remain in his Peace during this difficult time.

Alissa and (Gary) Monaghan
Feb 18, 2021
What a great lady! She truly loved God, His church, and her family! I volunteer at Cottonwoods, and I will miss her smile! My mom would always ask about her! Our condolences are with her family! From The Curries.