Karen (Massing) Wing

It is with great sadness our family announces the passing of Karen (Massing) Wing on January 23, 2026 at the age of 86. Karen loved her family deeply and in turn she will be very dearly missed. Karen is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jim; sisters Margaret Mary Barkwell and Elizabeth (Richard) Bonneville. She was predeceased by her parents Oscar and Margaret Massing; brother in-law Rick Barkwell; mother in-law Myrtle Wing; sister in-law Ida Campbell; nephews Kevin Barkwell and Brian Barkwell; and first husband John Pyret. 

She will be lovingly remembered by her children Blair Pyret (Jan Ingram), Joanne (Pat) Wilton, Miles (Sandie) Pyret, Norman Wing, and Brenda Lien; grandchildren Devon (Raelene) Pyret, Brianne Pyret (Brent Kinley), Ashley (Shawn) Street, Douglas Wilton, Shawn Wilton, Shelbey Merrill, Braeden Merrill (Lucia Urblikova), and Sydney (Dustin) Pyret-Desserre; and great grandchildren Jessa, Zaylex, Ryker, Kane, Huxley, Wyatt, Katie, Cassidy, Leah. 

Karen grew up on the family farm in the Ferrybank area west of Ponoka. She attended Olds College where she studied home economics, learning to become an accomplished seamstress and excellent baker, and her creations were popular at farmers markets throughout central Alberta. She married her first husband John in 1960 and had 3 children (Blair, Joanne, and Miles) prior to becoming a young widow at the age of 25. Karen raised the 3 children on her own for a number of years before being introduced to Jim, they married in 1970 and the years following had 2 more children (Norman and Brenda). Jim and Karen enjoyed bowling, playing cards and camping with friends and family. Karen was known for being a daycare provider in the community and had fond memories of the children she cared for. Most of all Karen was extremely proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, she never missed a birthday and always genuinely wanted to know what they were up to. Karen, mom, grandma, great grandma you will be greatly missed, but held in our hearts forever. 

Thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Ponoka Hospital and on Unit 22 in Red Deer for caring for her in her final moments. And a special thank you to her longtime dedicated doctor, Dr. Halse. 

Memorial donations can be made to Old MacDonald Kennels.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Ponoka Funeral Home on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. (Livestream Viewer located below).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Karen (Massing) Wing, please visit our floral store.