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  • Home
  • About
    • Why Choose Us
      • Our Guarantees
      • Compassionate Staff
      • 3 Convenient Locations
        • Downtown Chapel – Main Office
        • Edmonton South Sherwood Park Chapel
        • St. Albert Funeral Home
      • Onsite Flower Shop
      • Reputation of Excellence
      • Professional Aftercare Services
    • How we are Different
      • Life Celebration Experts
      • Vision and Purpose
      • Family Owned Since 1908
      • Connelly-McKinley Crematorium
      • 10 Step Cremation Promise
  • What We Offer
  • Funeral & Cremation Planning
    • Death Has Occurred
      • First Calls
      • What We Offer
      • Information Required
      • Reminder List
      • Inspiration for Writing a Meaningful Obituary
      • Preparing a Eulogy
      • Understanding Grief
      • Merchandise
      • Local Cemeteries
      • After Care
      • Submit an Obituary
    • Service Options
      • Asian Funeral Planning
      • Catholic Funeral Planning
      • Cremation Options
      • Burial Options
      • Unique Services
      • Memorial Receptions
      • Personalize the Service
      • Video Life Tributes
      • Streaming
    • Advance Planning
      • Family Service
      • Advance Planning Information
      • Advanced Planning Kit
      • Preplanning Kit
      • Planning Work Shops
      • Talk of a Lifetime
      • Travel Away From Home
      • Questions
  • Green Burial
  • Resources
    • Helps
      • Payment Centre
      • Concierge Services
      • Community Resources
      • Canada Pension Benefits
      • FAQs
      • Advance Planning Questions
      • Education Programs
      • Travel Away From Home
      • Share a Review
      • Privacy Statement
      • After Care Services
      • Talk of a Lifetime
      • News & Events
    • Forms and Checklists
      • Preplanning Kit
      • Ask the Director
      • Catholic Service Questions
      • Preplan Online
      • Executor Duties
      • Obituary Guidelines
      • Satisfaction Survey
  • Locations
    • Reception Facilities
    • Downtown Chapel – Main Office
    • Edmonton South Sherwood Park Chapel
    • St. Albert Funeral Home
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    • Submit an Obituary
  • Contact

Chris Zdeb

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It is with great sorrow and an overwhelming sense of loss, that we announce the sudden passing of Christine Frances Zdeb on July 12, 2021 at the age of 67. She will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Alex (Chelsea), Mac (Teo), Spencer (Alison); granddaughter, Brexlea; sisters, Jane (Cletus), Lucia, Michelle (Darren) and brother, Jerry (Tricia); dear friend, Margaret, Bob and Ruth; nieces, nephews, cousins, of the extended Zdeb and Montgomery families; as well as friends and colleagues.

Born in St. Catharines to John and Bernice, Chris was destined to be a journalist. She was curious and always interested in the lives and stories of others. Her first job at 13 was editor of the school newspaper. And while her academic achievements were considerable, she also swept the categories for citizenship and athletic awards throughout those school years.

After graduating from Western University, Chris embarked on a career that would last over 40 years – the majority of which would be spent in Edmonton. At the Edmonton Journal she wrote feature stories and covered everything from the police beat to lifestyles and everything in between. As a reporter, Chris was dedicated, thorough, persistent, and thoughtful. She loved words and delighted in writing a clever lede just as much as she relished chasing down and scooping a story. Chris left a lasting impression on everyone she met and interviewed.

On the homefront, Chris was overjoyed last year to have become a proud Babci to “da baaaaby”, Brexlea. No one could make her smile like Brex; although her boys placed a close second. Chris’ pride and joy were her boys. She was always head cheerleader and supporter in all of their endeavours. Her influence and unconditional love resulted in the strong, compassionate men they’ve become. You could count on Chris to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it; her generosity and nurturing nature were legendary. Unless of course, you were engaged in a game of Scrabble or cards, where she played to win.

Family and close friends feel fortunate that they were able to say their goodbyes. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Chris may be made to the Edmonton Humane Society, 13620 – 163 Street, Edmonton, AB, T5V 0B2.

“This Day in History” belongs to the greatest, Christine Zdeb. Love you, Mama. Dobranoc.

-30-

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Condolence Messages

  1. Mary & Rene St Cyr says

    July 15, 2021 at 5:47 pm

    Deepest condolences to all the family. My she rest in peace.

    Reply
  2. Jake McGaw-Weremi says

    July 15, 2021 at 6:10 pm

    Condolences to all of the family ❤️
    No words can express how sorry I am for your loss.

    Reply
  3. Danielle Willis says

    July 15, 2021 at 7:07 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with the Zdeb /Montgomery family at this very sad and difficult time.

    Reply
    • Candace Elliott says

      July 16, 2021 at 12:43 pm

      I absolutely loved working with Chris at the Journal. We did several interviews together and she was so warm and lovely. My condolences to the families

      Reply
  4. Brad and Kathy McGaw says

    July 15, 2021 at 7:34 pm

    Alex, Mac, Spencer and family

    Please accept our sincere and most heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mother. We had the pleasure of meeting Chris for the first time just a few short years ago. In that, and our meetings since, we found Chris to be such a beautiful, kind and gentle person who clearly adored her boys. She welcomed us, and more importantly, our daughter Chelsea, into your family immediately and wholeheartedly and we will forever be grateful for that.

    Although the days, weeks and months ahead will be some of the hardest, know you will be in our thoughts always.

    Brad, Kathy McGaw and family

    Reply
  5. Barbara J Leavitt says

    July 15, 2021 at 8:03 pm

    There are many 7 letter words that Chris would be delighted to rack up the points with, but I only feel one right now: sadness.

    A Words with Friends pal,
    barb

    Reply
  6. lucy Haines says

    July 16, 2021 at 9:28 am

    Chris was a long time part of the Alberta Prime Times team as a regular contributor, with feature stories impacting or about Alberta seniors. I only knew her briefly, but Chris was always accommodating and pleasant to work with, and I valued how she could convey the human angle of any story told.
    We’ll miss her at the paper; my sincere condolences to all her family.

    Reply
  7. Megan and Mike Fugleberg says

    July 16, 2021 at 9:59 am

    Praying for your strength during this most difficult time. A beautifully written tribute for a wonderful woman. All of our love, the Fugleberg family.

    Reply
  8. Cathy Housdorff says

    July 16, 2021 at 10:03 am

    Please accept my sincere condolences to the entire family. I was interviewed by Chris once when I was a GOA Communications Director and she had me at the top of my game! Which is exactly how it should have been. Chris was only a year older than I am, so I know how many more years we hope(d) would be ahead. All my best as you find strength in your memories.

    Reply
  9. Lydia Maklak says

    July 16, 2021 at 10:03 am

    Dearest Montgomery & Zdeb families,

    Jim, myself (Lydia) & the family would like to express our deepest condolences on the lost of your mother and sister Christine.

    We have many fond memories from our childhood and beyond. Her laughter and sense of humor will help us cope. Our family has always admired her accomplishments.

    To Alex, Mackenzie and Spencer, your mother was a very special woman to so many. She always conveyed her love for you boys when we spoke. She will be with you always.

    The Kotwica & Maklak families.

    Reply
  10. Gwen Wolansky says

    July 16, 2021 at 10:28 am

    Sincere condolences on the loss of such a genuinely kind Kind person. I worked with Chris at the Edmonton Journal, and we always had a great chat when she came down for images for her articles. Super approachable and genuinely interested, interesting and authentic.

    Reply
  11. Andy Ogle says

    July 16, 2021 at 11:20 am

    I’m very sorry to hear of Chris’s passing. I worked with her at The Journal for many years — she was the kind of reporter you could always rely on to come up with a good story no matter what the assignment. A real rock.

    Reply
  12. Michael & Jocelyn McKergow says

    July 16, 2021 at 2:17 pm

    We are sorry to hear of Chris’s sudden passing. She has been our neighbor for many years. She was always quick with a smile and kind words. Her world did revolve around her boys as they grew up. She will always be here for those who loved her most.

    Reply
  13. Chris Standring says

    July 16, 2021 at 5:15 pm

    Chris was an esteemed colleague and a good friend. I will miss our marathon conversations. She had an incredible memory for details that made me feel like a valued friend. We enjoyed a collaborative relationship during our many years together at The Journal, she as a writer and me as a section editor. I called her the Queen of Ledes. Her facility with words was impressive and her gentle way with people brought her many compelling stories. Chris was the kindest of people and among the most generous I have known.
    To Chris’s family, please know that I am so sorry for your loss. I will hold her memory dear.

    Reply
  14. Ken Younger says

    July 16, 2021 at 5:29 pm

    Chris was a wonderful co-worker, so kind and genuine. Sincere condolences to the families.

    Reply
  15. Maurice and Holly Tougas says

    July 16, 2021 at 5:31 pm

    Chris was as nice a person as you would meet, and a fine writer as well. She wrote many excellent stories for me when I was editor of Edmonton and Calgary Prime Times. And she was a wonderful coffee companion for my wife and I; we each had three grown sons, so there was plenty to talk about (we met when our sons played on the same soccer team). Good friends are hard to come by, and losing Chris is a terrible blow. But she left a legacy of quality journalism (a rare commodity today) and an even greater legacy of friendship. Condolences to Alex, Mac and Spencer.

    Reply
  16. Randy Hardisty says

    July 16, 2021 at 5:46 pm

    Chris was a lovely soul. She was generous, gracious and compassionate. We last saw her in December 2019 and enjoyed an evening with her, Karen Booth and Steve Guest. Chris was a dedicated colleague but always took the time to ask how you were doing and to listen to your stories. She will be greatly missed. Randy Hardisty & Kim McLeod.

    Reply
  17. Sherri Aikenhead says

    July 16, 2021 at 7:40 pm

    I haven’t seen Chris in over 20 years but she was an influence and coach to many young journalists in an era when our profession thrived. My husband Steve and I treasured her advice and friendship as young Edmonton Journal reporters. Our deepest sympathy to her boys and family.

    Reply
  18. Mairi Maclean says

    July 17, 2021 at 9:14 am

    I had the desk next to Chris in The Journal’s Feature section for years, and it was loads of fun to share a space with her. She was intrepid when it came to chasing a story, and a kind-hearted, clever and generous colleague. Please accept my deepest condolences.

    Reply
  19. David Holehouse says

    July 17, 2021 at 1:03 pm

    I am sorry to hear this news – I have good memories of working in the same newsroom as Chris back in the day.

    Reply
  20. Ruth Adria says

    July 18, 2021 at 7:42 am

    We miss you Chris. You were somebody!.

    Sincerest sympathy to your loved ones.

    Reply
  21. Jim White says

    July 18, 2021 at 1:14 pm

    My sincere condolences to Chris’s family. I first met Chris when she covered the Police Beat when she came into our office to chat with our press liaison members. A sound professional journalist who would never compromise her values. Chris was someone I felt comfortable talking with. Yes years later after retiring we had a few chats. A remarkable lady.

    Reply
  22. Judy Schultz says

    July 19, 2021 at 7:29 pm

    Chris was an inspiration for those of us who were privileged to work with her. As a journalist, she never lost her sense of compassion. My sympathy to her family, especially to her children who she loved so very much.

    Reply
  23. Cathy Lord says

    July 21, 2021 at 10:32 am

    Chris was a wonderful colleague and friend. Smart, funny, warm and wise, she cared about the Edmonton Journal newsroom and everyone – and every plant – in it. She cared about her readers and the people she wrote about. She crafted each and every story she wrote, sometimes agonizing for hours over every aspect. She was an amazing cook and birthday cake baker and was a friend in need for all who needed her. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten. My condolences to her family and friends.

    Reply
  24. Carolyn Heiman says

    July 22, 2021 at 8:43 am

    My condolences to the family. Chris was a kind and generous soul and an excellent journalist. We each had apartments in the same small building in Edmonton when we were at The Journal and shared many personal and professional stories in our off-work hours. She is gone too soon.

    Reply
  25. Janine Pritchard says

    July 30, 2021 at 2:28 pm

    Sadly, we never met Hailey’s Aunt Christine. If we had, I’m sure we would have been firm friends.
    Huw and Janine Pritchard, Hailey’s ‘in laws’ to be Bedfordshire UK.

    Reply
  26. Peter Adler says

    August 3, 2021 at 7:18 pm

    Chris was a wonderful colleague, and a great person. She left us too soon.

    Reply
  27. Gail Helgason says

    August 6, 2021 at 9:52 am

    My deep condolences. I had the pleasure of working alongside Chris in my Journal days, and enjoyed all our interactions. She was a fine journalist and a fine colleague, and I know she will be deeply missed.

    Reply
  28. Darlene Serediak says

    August 6, 2021 at 10:57 pm

    Alex, Mac and Spencer My sincere condolences to all of you. I always enjoyed visiting with your mom when she would come in for her dental appointments-she would get the biggest smile on her face when I would ask her about her Boys and when Brexlea arrived she was absolutely thrilled and would whip out her phone to show me a picture or two. May your treasured memories of your mom comfort you always.and may she rest in peace. I know I will miss seeing her beautiful smile🌻

    Reply

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