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.
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Mary & Rene St Cyr says
Deepest condolences to all the family. My she rest in peace.
Jake McGaw-Weremi says
Condolences to all of the family ❤️
No words can express how sorry I am for your loss.
Danielle Willis says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Zdeb /Montgomery family at this very sad and difficult time.
Candace Elliott says
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
Brad and Kathy McGaw says
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
Barbara J Leavitt says
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
lucy Haines says
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.
Megan and Mike Fugleberg says
Praying for your strength during this most difficult time. A beautifully written tribute for a wonderful woman. All of our love, the Fugleberg family.
Cathy Housdorff says
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.
Lydia Maklak says
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.
Gwen Wolansky says
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.
Andy Ogle says
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.
Michael & Jocelyn McKergow says
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.
Chris Standring says
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.
Ken Younger says
Chris was a wonderful co-worker, so kind and genuine. Sincere condolences to the families.
Maurice and Holly Tougas says
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.
Randy Hardisty says
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.
Sherri Aikenhead says
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.
Mairi Maclean says
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.
David Holehouse says
I am sorry to hear this news – I have good memories of working in the same newsroom as Chris back in the day.
Ruth Adria says
We miss you Chris. You were somebody!.
Sincerest sympathy to your loved ones.
Jim White says
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.
Judy Schultz says
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.
Cathy Lord says
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.
Carolyn Heiman says
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.
Janine Pritchard says
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.