It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Terry                     Zerebeski, age 65, on January 29, 2021, after a short and valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Terry was at home in Beaumont with his wife Jan and son Steven by his side when he passed.

Terry worked many years in the catalyst industry, and had retired 6 years ago to spend time doing the things he loved. Going to the lake, fishing, mushroom picking, and enjoying the outdoors. He was also an avid hunter. Terry was an incredible cook and we will miss having him fill our tummies with food. Terry also enjoyed traveling, going to a number of destinations over the years. A memorial will be held at a later date. We love and miss you so much.

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Doris at the age of 88 years. She was predeceased by her parents Gertrude and Herbert Sollitt, sisters Dorothy and Doreen, brothers Gordon and Gary, and her husband of 66 years Clarence (Lad) Blair. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and is survived by her daughter Karen (Bruce), son Dale (Lynne), grandson Chase (Jennifer), great grandson Joel, and great grand daughter Everly. She will also be missed by her sister Dolores (Bill) Opper and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Doris grew up in Edmonton in the Bonnie Doon area and was pleased she could help provide photos and stories for the book Memories of Bonnie Doon. Her family was one of the first residents in that area, living in a home built by her Dad around 1945. She would often reminisce about the good old times and felt she had grown up in the best era.

She worked at Woodward’s for many years initially full time and then part-time once her children were born. She loved her gardening and flowers and was recognized by Front Yards in Bloom on 4 occasions. She would receive many compliments from passerby’s when outside tending to her plants. She also loved her many pets over the years as well as enjoyed the birds that were drawn to her yard.

Respecting her wishes cremation has taken place and no service will be held. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Julia Violet Danchuk

May 2, 1956 – February 19, 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Julia Violet Danchuk announces her passing on Friday February 19, 2021 at the age of 64. Julia will be lovingly remembered by her children, Alan, Misty, William and Michelle.

Julia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt and a dear friend.

She was loved and will be missed by everyone who’s lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Cross Cancer Institute.

A private memorial will be held at a later date

It is with great sadness that we announce that our beloved Mother, Grandma, Sister, Auntie & Friend Joyce Lawrence of St. Albert, Alberta, passed away unexpectedly on February 11, 2021 at the age of 69.

Joyce will be deeply missed by her children Joe, Susan and Stefanie (Fabian), her loving grandchildren Taylor, Naomi, Shelby, Destanie, Paige, Natalie and Lola. Joyce will also be mourned by her sister Diane (& family), her nieces and nephew Jennifer, Jason, Stacy (& family), Catherine, our McCrea Family, her close friends Fatima & Delly and so many more from the East Coast to the West Coast.

Joyce was pre-deceased by her twin brothers, father Gus, mother Minnie, sisters Barbara & Maggie and family friends Eileen & Ray.

Joyce was born in Montreal, Quebec. She really liked city living however she loved the country lifestyle. One of Joyce’s passions was travelling around Canada. She loved to get her nails dirty while working in her various gardens. Joyce had such a big heart and embraced individuality like nobody else. She had an aura of confidence & class, yet humble to her core. Joyce gave the best hugs and her deep love would linger long after her embrace.

Her legacy will live on and the life lasting impressions she made along the way.

An intimate gathering with the immediate family will be held to remember the amazing life & soul that she was.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Joyce Lawrence’s name to the Bissell Centre, 10527 96 St NW, Edmonton AB T5H 2H6 or Operation Friendship Senior Society, 9526 106 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T5H 0N2.

Thank you to Simply Cremations & Funeral Services for your help and for taking care of our mom and family during this very trying time.

We love you Mom!

Alita Rose GILES
1977 – 2021

Alita Giles, 43, lover of oceans and mountains, bun-baker and lefse-maker extraordinaire, died February 9, 2021. Fiercely independent and highly resourceful, Alita dealt steadfastly with life’s vicissitudes and took great joy from its pleasures. She supported those she loved in a multitude of ways and her absence will be keenly felt. Alita is survived by her daughter Margaret Giles, mother Nora McAleese, father Mike (Anne) Giles, siblings Nathan, Michelle and Aura Giles and grandparents Verna and Gordon Giles, as well as extended family and good friends. A memorial celebration of Alita’s life will be held when current restrictions ease.

Edwardina (Deany) Celia Soltesz (nee Gower)

January 30, 1940 – February 5, 2021 (81 years young)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Deany (Gramma), who was visited by as much family as was allowed throughout her last days. A devoted wife , mother , gramma, sister , daughter , aunt and valued friend .

Once her last family members left with hugs, love and goodbye at 8:00 p.m., she peacefully held hands with her husband of 60 years (David Soltesz) until she drew her last breath at 8:10 p.m.

Daughter to Edward and Mildred Gower, Deany is the youngest of five girls (Alfretta, Eyvon, Gwen, Audrey)

Predeceased by her parents, older sister (Eyvon), niece (Linda) and granddaughter (Stacey).

Deany was born in Westlock, and grew up in both Westlock and Pickardville, where she met a very special boy at the age of 6. Their incredible bond became marriage on June 18, 1960 (Westlock Whacky Saturday) with a front page picture and article in the Westlock Witness. Their journey together was just beginning.

Deany’s amazing 81 years brought the world four beautiful daughters (as well as a place to call home to numerous foster babies)
• Cindy (John)
• Wendy (Myles)
• Tammy (Jeff)
• Angie (Doug)

From these beautiful daughters Deany was given 12 precious grandchildren. Stacey (angel above), Michael, Katey, David, Stephanie, Tommy, Tyler, Scotty, Taylor, Ryan, Ben, Sam.

Deany/Gramma was then blessed ever more with an additional 9 great grandchildren.

Gramma had an incredible love for family and that reflected on each of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren by how they live their lives as she did.

Her love of hockey (boo Calgary), gardening, knitting/sewing, all animals and Dr. Pol was just a small example of her passions.

Her thrift shopping with Auntie Weewee was simply mesmerizing and her cooking and baking was comparable to Julia.

Her 4’10” stature never held her back as she was the most incredibly feisty courageous heroine anyone could meet.

Our sincere thanks to Dr. Judy Schick (friend and doctor), the Cross Cancer Institute, and the staff on 7 East and Dr. Brit at the Misericordia Hospital who all went above and beyond looking after mom and the entire family during these last weeks.

In lieu of flowers – donations gratefully accepted to Cross Cancer Institute, Misericordia Hospital (Covenant Health) or Pilgrims Hospice Society.

A private memorial will be held at a later date.

MURIEL MASON (STILES)
July 9, 1926 – February 7, 2021

It is with profound sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved sister, mother, grandmother and great grandmother at the age of 94, following a short battle with COVID.

Mourning her loss are her sister Dorothy Keosky and her sister-in-law Bernadette Stiles.
She will be deeply missed by daughters Sharon Sagert (Dave), Dorothy Ratke (Rudi) and son Leslie Mason.

Muriel’s loving grandchildren are Deannine Conway (David), Aimee Mason, Craig Sagert (Michèle), Rory Ratke (Carol), Christina Dewhirst (Daniel), Brandy Payeur (Scott) & Neil Sagert (Michelle).

Great grandchildren also feeling her loss are Alexander & Nicholas Sagert; CJ (Carter Joseph), Cayden, & Cole Payeur; Taylor, Brady & Jacob Mason; Grace & Sophia Conway; Zachary & Annabelle Dewhirst; Elliana & Karrington Sagert and Trinity & Aurora Albrecht.

Muriel was predeceased by her parents, 4 brothers, 2 sisters and her daughter Carol Shields.

She will be lovingly remembered for her love of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In her younger days she was a fan of the Edmonton Oil Kings and the Montreal Canadians. Muriel received great enjoyment from the animals she had and listening to her classical music. She also loved cooking and reading. One of the most wonderful memories of her life, that she shared often, was a trip she took to England where she was able to tour many of the places she had read about and visit members of her mother’s family.

Muriel will also be remembered as a woman who believed in equality for all people, and she was always very confident in speaking her mind.

We wish to extend our gratitude to Dr. Hasinoff and the staff of Jubilee Lodge for their compassionate, patient centered care. In lieu of other tributes we ask that donations be made to the Jubilee Lodge in appreciation of their care of Muriel and the other residents, or to a charity of your choice.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Muriel’s life will be planned at a later date.

Anna (Anne) Burbidge

Anne Burbidge passed away at the remarkable age of 104 on February 5, 2021.

She leaves her devoted son and caregiver Ken, her daughter Linda (Terry Asselstine), and grandchildren Eric Sanderson and Colleen Thompson (Matt). She was predeceased by her beloved husband Fred, her parents, Nikolai and Eva Rusnak, and all of her siblings.

Anne was born in Pakan, Alberta, the youngest of 13 children in a immigrant homesteading family. The family was poor and even at a young age, Anne contributed by herding cattle, exercising the horses boarded at the farm and hauling milk cans. She developed a lifelong love of horseback riding. At school she learned to speak English, and from then on, was nearly always in the middle of a novel. After an injury, she went to the Kolakreeka Mission to recover, then stayed on to assist with the housekeeping. As a young woman, Anne moved to the city of Edmonton and then enlisted in the RCAF Women’s Division after the start of WWII. While serving at the base in Rivers, Manitoba, her vivacious manner and easy laugh caught the attention of Fred Burbidge, a civilian meteorologist. They dated mostly on horseback and married on VE Day. They stayed in love and devoted to each other for 57 years.

Fred’s career and studies took them across the country to Montreal and Newfoundland, but they returned to Edmonton in 1951 to put down roots, and raise their kids, Linda and Ken.They were active participants in United Church activities, the Les Amis dance club, the YMCA, bridge, samba/canasta, and most notably, their couples’ club, where they shared dinners, holidays and life events with a group of close friends for 70 years. They loved road trips, especially around Alberta, where Anne had an encyclopedic (and secret) knowledge of the very best blueberry patches. She was an outstanding baker and her wild blueberry pies were legendary.

After Fred’s death in 2002 and Anne’s stroke in 2008, she was cared for at home by her dedicated son Ken. Right up until her last few weeks, he would take her for daily drives to explore the city and countryside, feed the birds, and often stop for coffee and a “chocolate dip” at Tim’s.

There will be no funeral service, but likely a family interment ceremony later in the year.

Kirk Marcellinus MacNeil, fully surrendered into the arms of Jesus, passed away February 3, 2021.

Kirk was predeceased by his father John Patrick and sister Alexis. He is survived by children —Geneviève (David), Trystan (Heather), Katrina, and Desirée, and grandchildren Caspian, Galadriel, Freddy, Isaac, IndianaRose, and EmilyMay. Survived by his former wife Janet, his mother Rhodena, siblings Rhonda (Sal), Al (Isabel), and Stella (John) along with his nieces and nephews Brandon, Kyle, Cassandra, Paula (Stephan) and Meghan (Faith). Many special thanks to the Fellowship CRC community and the staff at Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre who lovingly cared for Kirk in the most sensitive of times.

Kirk was born March 7, 1954, in Glace Bay, NS and later grew up in Toronto, ON. He was always proud of his Celtic Cape Breton roots. In his youth, Kirk hitchhiked from Scotland to Israel, and in North America, Alaska to Mexico.

As a young boy, Kirk felt a calling into ministry, which he answered after completing his BA at York University. He went on to earn a M.Div. at Calvin Seminary, in Grand Rapids, MI. He served congregations in Whitby and Lindsay, ON and Lacombe, AB. He was instrumental in organizing citywide March for Jesus campaigns. Tackling systemic addictions and gambling, Kirk spearheaded two plebiscites removing VLTs from Lacombe. His convictions led him to promote justice and protection for victims of sexual abuse. Walking alongside the wounded, bringing light into the shadows; what the broken would call “garbage,” Kirk saw as gold.

Kirk had a flair for the dramatic, shared his enjoyment for many different types of music, wrote and told fascinating stories, and, in his last years, became a prolific painter. An avid reader and deep thinker in theology, history, geography, current events, and politics, he also delighted in both popular culture and the arts. He was known for his humour and quick wit—both a lover of puns and a prankster.

His long struggles over at last, he awaits his Savior’s call back to life in God’s new creation. Rest well, Dad. We’ll meet you in the Highlands.

Donations in Kirk’s honor may be made to the Fellowship CRC Refugee Committee; e- transfers can be sent to fellowshiptreasurer454@gmail.com.

Anyone wishing to join a virtual memorial service at 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 13 can email roy.berkenbosch@kingsu.ca for details.