ZATELNY, Jean (née Konopelka)

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Jean Zatelny, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the age of 83.

Jean was born on March 7, 1942, on the family farm in the Greenway district near Rycroft, Alberta, to Stephen and Mary Konopelka. She grew up on the homestead surrounded by the love and laughter of her many siblings: Nick, Olga, Bill, Ann, Alexander, Alex, Mary, Alice, Lena, and Irene.

It was at a country dance where Jean met the love of her life, Albert Zatelny. They married on July 15, 1967, and together raised two daughters, Charlene and Cindy, building a life rooted in love, learning, and adventure.

Teaching was not just a profession for Jean—it was a calling. After earning her Education degree from the University of Alberta, she began her career in Spirit River, followed by a short stint at Montrose School in Grande Prairie. She found her true teaching home at Parkside Elementary, where she inspired countless young minds in her Grade One and Grade Three classrooms. Even after retiring in 1998, Jean’s passion for teaching never waned; she continued to substitute teach for several years and delighted in helping her grandchildren with their schoolwork and reading to them.

A tireless volunteer, Jean was a pillar in the Grande Prairie community. She generously gave her time to more than 30 organizations, offering her energy and heart wherever it was needed— teaching adult literacy, crewing for hot air balloon championships, working the gate at Bud Country, supporting numerous festivals, working casinos, or selling snacks at The Grande Prairie Live Theatre. Her commitment to service was honoured in 2005 with the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award.

Jean had a boundless curiosity and an adventurous spirit. Lifelong learning and world exploration with Albert were among her greatest joys. She constantly soaked up information through reading and watching different programs on television. Jean filled notebooks full of tips, recipes, and facts about places to travel. Together, she and Albert embarked on 38 cruises, making friends and memories across the globe. They cherished their winter escapes, driving thousands of kilometres to Puerto Vallarta, a treasured tradition over the years.

Jean will be fondly remembered for her quick wit and quirky sense of humour, her deep love for her family, her uncanny ability to score a great deal (and lots of free stuff), and her habit of gently redirecting conversations away from gossip. She was a fierce defender of the underdog and a devoted fan of Victor Newman, George Jones, and Dr. Phil. She found joy in the simple things: phone calls with siblings, learning Spanish, card games, word searches, casino lunches, and above all, time spent with her friends, family, and grandchildren.

Jean leaves behind her loving husband, Albert; daughters Charlene (Wayne) Boyko and Cindy Lee (Jason) Inman; grandchildren Samuel, Auri, and Hannah; sisters Ann Cote, Mary Radomski, Alice (Alfred) Harris, and Lena (Fred) Skawronski; brother-in-law Bill Milkovich; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who were blessed to know her.

She is reunited with her parents, Stephen and Mary; her infant brother Alexander; brothers Nick, Bill, and Alex; sisters Olga and Irene, and numerous other family and friends.

Jean’s legacy of love, laughter, service, and strength will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A Celebration of Jean’s Life will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Bear Creek Funeral Home, 11802 – 99 Avenue, Grande Prairie from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice in Jean’s honour.

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 bcfh.ca

• Date : 2025-04-16
• Location : Bear Creek Funeral Home

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