In loving memory
Veronica “Ronny” Zebrak
(1939-2012)
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Veronica Theresa Zebrak (formerly Tourond) of Hillcrest, Alberta. She soared with angels on October 31, 2012 after passing at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre in Blairmore at the age of 73 years.
Veronica was born on March 27, 1939 to devoted parents, Mike and Annie Miklusek. She was born and raised in Hillcrest, and resided there her entire life. She blossomed into a lovely and graceful young woman who captured the heart of Bob Tourond. They were wed in 1959 and raised a beautiful family of four girls.
Ronny attended the University of Calgary and graduated as a schoolteacher, also in 1959, and obtained her degree in Education at the University of Lethbridge in the early “70’s. As a dedicated teacher, she took great pleasure in nurturing and mentoring the youth of this community. She was particularly fond of those students who showed a lot of spunk and those who were disadvantaged. She inspired hundreds of children. Some of her former students became lifelong friends. Ronny retired from teaching in 1994.
Ronny and Bob parted, and she again found love in marriage to Bogdan “Bogie” Zebrak in 1980. For many years they enjoyed each other’s company, and enjoyed fishing and traveling until Bogie’s untimely passing. As a self-proclaimed tom-boy, Ronny loved sports. In her leisure time she enjoyed swimming, curling and played ladies fastball for Bellevue under the coaching of Johnny Quintillio as a pitcher. She later took up golfing.
Her greatest joy though, was spending time with her family and friends, and cooking glorious family dinners. Family always came first. She supported her children and grandchildren at various sporting events including figure skating, rodeo, and school sports. She was the ultimate fan and was never to be out-cheered on the sidelines! Ronny was proud of her children and loved them all unconditionally. She worked hard and provided for them through some difficult times.
Her second love was that of renovating and decorating her home, and manicuring her beautiful yard. She was always eager to pet-sit her family’s dogs and cats, and the pets were just as eager to ”go to Nan’s house” as were her adoring grandchildren. Nan was always there to babysit and lend a helping hand. After Ronny retired from teaching, she met her dear companion and best friend, Gerry Helgason. They enjoyed 15 wonderful years together, golfing, curling, travelling and each other’s company, until her passing. Ronny was a special spirited woman who herself, showed a lot of spunk - and if there was music playing, she would be dancing! We will forever celebrate her life and honour her memory.
She is survived by her companion, Gerry Helgason; her children, Kellee (Allan Osborn) Tourond of Edmonton, Cory Tourond of Hillcrest, Pam (Glen Stadnichuk) Houze of Lundbreck and Amy (Greg McLogan) Tourond of Cape Coral, Florida; her precious grandchildren, Erin, Nile, Teyel (Troy), Bob, Hayley, Haden and Scottie; her great grandchild, Milo; her sisters, Mary Bodio and Agnes Miklusek; her nephews Mickey Bodio and Keith, Kevin & Berry Lang; her niece, Wendy Bodio; her first husband, Bob (Phyllis) Tourond; her partner Gerry’s family, Jerilyn, Joni, Jackie, Janelle, Jolene and their families; and her special friend and caregiver, Sherry Jones.
She is predeceased by her second husband, Bogie Zebrak; her parents, Mike and Annie Miklusek; her son-in-law Keith Houze, her father and mother-in-law, Bob (Sr.) and Hazel Tourond, and her brothers-in-law Joe Bodio and Myron Lang and sister-in-law, Bertha Lang.
The Memorial Celebration honouring Ronny’s life was held on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 2:00 pm in the Elk’s Hall (2025-129 St) in Blairmore with Rev. Nicky Keyworth officiating. Members of the family, the Royal Canadian Legion, Shannon Riviere, Scottish Piper, Bill Plant and friends provided tributes.
Donations in memory may be made to the Boys & Girls Club, Box 68, Bellevue, AB T0K 0C0 or Kid’s Sport Alberta, Box 415, Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0. Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.com. Fantin's Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555.