On May 3rd, 2026, Ms. Karen Esther Petryshen passed away in Athabasca one day short of turning 72 years young, surrounded with love until her very last breath.
Karen was born to Beulah Lennie and Paul Petryshen on May 4th, 1954. She grew up between Edmonton and Creston with her sister Marsha and her brother Rod. She graduated from Marvel Beauty School shortly after marrying Alex Ryder in ’72. While living in Edmonton, they had their son Shawn in ’74 and their first daughter Christy in ’76. They then moved into the town of Athabasca for a short time before moving out to the Valley where she went on to have Mandy in ’80 and Ashley in ’82. In ’84, they moved to the farm. Divorced and moving back into town with her girls in ’95, Karen found her passion for caregiving. Working at Extendicare then the Athabasca Auxiliary, which became her second family — co-workers and residents alike. Karen met the love of her life, Leo Risby, in ’96. They married in ’01 and were together until his passing in ’17.
Karen was predeceased by her parents Beulah and Paul and her brothers Vincent and Rod.
Karen will live on through her children Shawn, Christy, Mandy and Ashley; her grandchildren Shay-anna, Jaidy-Joan, Haley, Johnny, Dale, Jackson, Kayden, Kara-Jane, Abigail, Zander, Vincent and her great-granddaughter Zelda. As well as countless others who knew and loved her.
Donations can be made to the Athabasca Auxiliary. A celebration of life for Karen will be held Saturday May 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Athabasca Seniors center, Athabasca.