Obituary of Karen Ann Ida Pressey (nee Way)

June 5, 1951 – Oshawa, Ontario

March 7, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Karen Pressey, beloved wife of Thomas E. “Tim” Pressey of Calgary, AB, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the age of 72 years.

Karen was born in Oshawa, ON, on June 5, 1951, and grew up in Colchester, ON. She had a very full and happy childhood alongside her younger siblings – her brother and four sisters. Karen would often recount stories of their antics and of their small two-bedroom home, which their mom was known for always rearranging.

After high school, Karen went to the University of Windsor and graduated with a degree in Philosophy. Shortly after University, Karen met Tim during a snowstorm in 1973. They were inseparable right from the beginning, moving in together after only five days.

Karen married Tim on August 23, 1975, in a small chapel in Colchester, ON. The following year, they decided to move out to Vancouver, BC, but only made it as far as Calgary; fell in love with the town and stayed there ever since.

Shortly after arriving in Calgary, they began installing cabinetry together with Tim’s brothers. They enjoyed the industry so much that Tim and Karen took over Canac Kitchens of Calgary in 1981, later changed to Prestique Kitchens around 1996. Aside from her children and her home, this business was one of Karen’s proudest achievements. Together they ran their company for 23 years and grew it to have over 100 employees; many of whom became like family. After selling their company and being retired for a few years, they decided to start another cabinetry company; Ekko Cabinetry was created in 2009. Karen still enjoyed going into work, whether it was to keep herself busy or to be close to her family.

Karen accomplished much throughout her life, but her proudest and greatest accomplishment was her family. She was the proud mom of three sons. Karen deeply loved her boys. She was the most patient, loving, and doting mom anyone could ask for. Karen would go all out on elaborate crafts and costumes, and enjoyed spending as much time as she could with her children.

Later when her boys went on to have children of their own, she was a devoted Nanna. She cherished the times her house was filled with family and went to great lengths to make every occasion and holiday special and memorable.

To her family and friends, Karen was everything. She was a business partner, a mentor, a therapist, a crafting wizard, a costume designer, a shoulder to cry on, a master chef, a guiding light, a second mom to many, and the best hug a person could ask for.

Karen’s favourite quote was by John Lennon:

“When I was five my mother always told me happiness was the key to life.

When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up.

I wrote down ‘happy’.

They told me I didn’t understand the assignment.

I told them they didn’t understand life.”

Karen lived her life right, filled with happiness and family. She will be most remembered for her love, laughter, and kindness.

Karen has left a huge void with her absence, but the light she has given all who knew her will shine on forever. She will be greatly missed by everyone she has touched.

Besides her loving husband, Karen is survived by her three sons, Stryder (Sarah), Matthew, and Josh; and seven grandchildren, Amelie, Jacob, Ava, Finley, Eli, Lachlan, and Cassius, all of whom reside in Calgary.

Karen is also survived by her four sisters, Linda (Danny), Patty, Debbie (Ken), and Marsha (Brian), all of whom still reside in the Harrow area, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

If you would like to come and bid farewell our beloved Karen, Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Pressey’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Karen’s family here.

In living memory of Karen Pressey, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Karen Pressey's Funeral Service