Jolie Renee (West) Zabel

Jolie, our beautiful soul with the kindest heart, has left our world forever touched by the impact she had on so many lives. Beloved daughter, mother, sister, fiancé, granddaughter, niece, auntie, cousin and friend.

To be close to her was a gift, she had a way of making everyone feel welcomed and loved in her presence, always.

Jolie was born July 10, 1973 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan to her loving parents Larry and Karen West (Leland). The daughter of bankers meant many moves throughout Alberta growing up. Coronation, Castor, Ponoka, Stony Plain and finally Sherwood Park for her grade 12 year where she graduated from Salisbury Composite High School. She was joined along the way by 2 siblings Steve 1976 and Lisa 1980 and was known to be a loving and protective sister to both where they bonded over new homes, vacations and long road trips squished in back seats together to Saskatchewan and back to see grandparents and family as often as possible.

Jolie was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 4. She underwent treatment at Edmonton’s Cross Cancer Institute where she fought hard and endured harder. Her love for life and everyone around her was shaped from her experiences and she was dubbed a miracle child to have survived such a diagnosis in 1977.

After high school she attended NAIT where she graduated from their Dental Assistant program in 1993 and went on to work in the industry for several years until marrying Andreas Zabel October 1996. From there they moved to Fort Nelson, BC where they welcomed their first child, a beautiful daughter Rachel, in June of 1999.

A career move then landed them in Quispamsis, New Brunswick shortly thereafter where their second child, this time a gorgeous baby boy, Jaden, entered their lives in October 2000. Those years with her babies were among the happiest in her life, but she missed her family and longed to return to Alberta, which they did, to Red Deer in 2005, their home for many years.

Jolie was an amazing mother. She poured her heart, patience, and boundless love into raising her two children, making her home a safe and joyful sanctuary. Her gentle guidance, everyday acts of kindness, and unconditional love shaped the people her children became. They will miss her in every aspect of their lives forever more.

Jolie found new life after her children were raised. After parting ways with Andreas, she moved to Edmonton to be close to her parents and started working back in the dental industry, living in a cute condo in the Millcreek area where she could walk to shops and restaurants. She was content and looking forward to her future. Jolie reunited with an old friend around that time that became the absolute love of her life, her joy in her relationship with Jeff was a beautiful thing to witness.

They were engaged, beginning to plan a wedding and their future together when Jolie received the first of several devastating diagnosis. She took on this sudden trajectory in her life with such composure and grace. Her family marveled at her resilience and bravery in such a challenging time but she found strength in her faith which guided the calm approach she took to every new hurdle along the way. She underwent 3 major surgeries and countless procedures in the last 5 years with her family by her side every step of the way but unfortunately it reached a point where treatment options had been exhausted, and she entered the final stages of a hard-fought and awe-inspiring journey.

The family wishes to thank her care teams over the years, Dr. Gingles, Dr. Strungaru, Dr. Au, Dr. Fairey, Dr. Chabassol, Dr. Koumna, The Edmonton Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton Palliative Home Care, Palliative Care Unit-Grey Nuns Hospital and lastly the entire staff of the St. Josephs Auxiliary Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit. They provided wonderful support and comfort in her final months.

Jolie will always be remembered for the love she showed to those lucky enough to be a part of her life. Her infectious smile truly reached her eyes and could be felt in the hearts of those around her. She was renowned for her wonderful cooking and even more so for her exceptional baking. It was always exciting to see all the tins of delicious goodies arriving at Christmas time. We knew she had poured her love into every bite, and her family recipes will live on in our kitchens and hearts forever.

Jolie is survived by her children, Rachel Haekel (Brodie) and Jaden Zabel; their father, Andreas Zabel; her parents, Larry and Karen West; her siblings, Steve West (Glenna) and Lisa Taylor (Greg); her grandmother, Lois Leland (née Braaten); her fiancé, Jeff Hein, and his children, Aaron and Brenna; her nephews, Dylan, Chayse, and Trystan; her nieces, Addison, Chloe, and Ivy; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved her dearly.

Jolie was predeceased by her Grandparents Charles (1993) and Betty West (2019); her Grandfather Irving Leland (2020); Uncles Nels West (1981); Brent Leland (1983) and her Aunt Lyla (2018).

Though we cannot understand why she was taken from us so young, we surrender our sorrow to the Savior who loves her most. Jolie was a devoted mother whose greatest joy was her children. As she rests in heavenly glory, we pray that God’s overwhelming peace guards her children’s hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). She will be profoundly missed, but her love remains an eternal blessing.

A Celebration of life for Jolie will be held Monday, September 28th beginning at 6:30pm at the Legacy Centre 3550 76 Ave NW, Edmonton AB. There will be a short service at 7:00pm followed by an open mic and light refreshments.

If Jolie has touched your life at any point, we welcome you to come celebrate her life with us.