Karla Mavis Krysa

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Karla on March 15, 2025. She passed away peacefully after a valiant fight in the Sturgeon Community Hospital in St. Albert. Karla was born on May 23, 1963, in Athabasca, AB.

Karla was always a free spirit and eager to be on her own after graduating high school. She moved to Edmonton in 1982 and became a journeyman beautician in 1985. She worked a few years as a stylist in one salon before moving to the Steele Heights Beauty Salon. In 2004 when the owner/manager retired, it was a natural step for her to take over ownership. She continued as owner/operator right up until her passing.

Karla loved to travel, especially with her sisters. Her favorite destination was Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean, which she visited 7 times, including one last time in February 2025. Karla and Kelva made many trips across Canada and the US, including lots of camping shenanigans. Many people said of Karla and Kelva “if you got one, you got the other one!”. She also hosted many girl’s weeks when she was “squatting” on a friend’s lot at Baptiste Lake – what happened at girl’s week, stayed at girl’s week! Karla loved gardening, games nights with friends, crafting, and making pickles, salsa, cabbage rolls and perogies. Karla also found solace and pleasure in quieter moments, solving crosswords with a sharp mind and losing herself in the pages of a good book. Karla loved the many cats she had over the years: Puff, Eagle, Scully, Fox, and most recently Samson, who is now loved by Karen.

Karla will be remembered for her determination and strong will. Many will remember her larger than life laugh and personality. Even struggling with health issues over the last few years, when she wanted to do something, she did it with full abandon and as much energy as she could put into it.

She was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Nola Krysa. She will be dearly missed by sisters Karen (Craig) and Kelva, and nephews Todd (Chantel, children Emma and Kai), and Shane (Jen, children Lily and Jamie), along with many other family members, friends and clients.

A celebration of life will be held at the St. Albert Legion at 1:00pm on May 24, 2025; 6 Tache St., St. Albert.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Edmonton SPCA or your favorite animal rescue.