It is with deep sadness we say goodbye to Rhonda (my loving wife, my best friend, our generous caring mother, our patient understanding grandmother). She lost her battle with cancer at the age of 69 on January 10, 2022. Rhonda was predeceased by her parents Regina and Ervan Steil.
Rhonda will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her husband Gary of 50 years (August 1971), her three children: Tracy (Brian Gerlitz), Robert (Meredith Lynes), and Angela (Rashid Macabanding) and her eight grandchildren: Brody and Sadie Gerlitz, Jack and Everett Gora, Mariam, Adam, Yusuf, and Mousa Macabanding. Rhonda will also be greatly missed by Jeff (her youngest brother) and sister-in-law (Kim) as well as her mother-in-law June Gora.
Rhonda is survived by three brothers, three sisters, numerous nephews and nieces, and many dear and close friends.
Rhonda was born and raised in Edmonton completing her post secondary education (BSc, M.Ed., and PHD) at the University of Alberta. While much of her career as a practicing Psychologist was spent in Edmonton, she lived and worked with Gary in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for 11 years managing Student Services at the Higher Colleges of Technology in the UAE. Coming back to Canada, she continued in post secondary education for several years, managing Student Services at both NAIT and Red Deer College. Prior to retiring in 2018, her last five years of her career were spent co-managing her Edmonton Private Practice providing psychological counselling to individuals seeking support.
Rhonda loved to decorate and cook, never missing an opportunity to cater to her family in her self-designed dream kitchen. Nothing made her happier than gathering with her family in her kitchen or outside on the deck to enjoy a savory, delectable meal that she created. We will miss Rhonda’s eyes that lit up when she laughed and played with her grandkids. Her children will remember her imaginative resourcefulness and how it embodied everything she did. Our lives will not be the same without her tenacious spirit and infectious energy that lifted, supported, and encouraged us. Her family, friends, and the clients she counseled will never forget her patience, dedication, and empathy she had for all of them as she offered support, love, and care throughout her personal and professional life.
A celebration of Rhonda’s life will be held this summer.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, 710-10123 99 St., NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 3H1.
