Elizabeth Joy Platz

She was born on March 29, 1983 in Creston, BC. Elizabeth was baptized at Redeemer Lutheran Church in April, 1983. Her godparents were David Kihn and Helga Jensen. In 1984, Elizabeth's family moved to Edmonton, AB and in 1986 to Montreal, QB. In 1988, the family moved from Montreal to Ponoka, AB where Elizabeth was raised. She started learning piano at the age of 7 and completed her grade 9 Royal Conservatory in piano.

Elizabeth graduated from Ponoka Composite High School in 2001. She loved all sports, but her passion was playing basketball. Elizabeth played on the high school basketball team wearing jersey #8 and her nicknames were "Muscles" and "Zibby."

She began her Bachelor of Arts degree at Concordia University College of Alberta in 2001 and graduated in 2004. Upon completion she continued into the Bachelor of Education After Degree Program and graduated from her Bachelor of Education in 2006. During her time at Concordia she also completed the Lutheran Teachers Colloquy Diploma.

Elizabeth and Kevin met at Concordia in 2004 and were engaged in the fall of 2005. They were married on June 17, 2006. Elizabeth joined Kevin on his student placement in Rocky Mountain House, AB before moving back to Edmonton where Kevin completed his seminary education.

In 2007, Elizabeth and Kevin moved to Port Alberni where they began their careers. Elizabeth started teaching in 2007. She spent most of her teaching career working as the music teacher for John Howitt Elementary School. She put together many concerts for the school and helped organize many school music events for School District 70.

Elizabeth completed her Masters of Education in Leadership Degree at Vancouver Island University, starting in 2010 and finishing in 2012.

Elizabeth and Kevin started a family with their first son, Jakob, being born in September 2013. In 2015, their second son Josiah was born. At this time, Elizabeth was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. She went through multiple surgeries and chemotherapy and completed her first treatments for cancer in the fall of 2016.

In 2021, Elizabeth was re-diagnosed with advanced stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Throughout her battle with cancer, Elizabeth remained positive, hopeful, and continued to participate in activities with her family. Elizabeth never complained about her trials.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, camping with her boys, playing piano for Grace Lutheran Church, participating in community sports, volunteering, and numerous other activities.

Elizabeth supported many charities and encouraged other individuals going through cancer treatments.

Elizabeth is predeceased by her sister Hannah, and her grandfather and grandmother Alfred and Ida Kihn. She leaves behind her husband Kevin, her two precious boys Jakob and Josiah, her parents Terry and Linda Zibin, her sister and brother-in-law Carolyn and Simon Davis, her nephew Isaac and niece Olivia, aunts, uncles, and cousins, family and friends. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

A funeral service will be held for Elizabeth on February 9, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at the Alberni District Secondary School in the Theatre. Officiating the funeral are Rev. Fraser Coltman (St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Nanaimo) and Rev. Scott Lyons (Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Edmonton). Rev. Rob Mohns, West Regional Pastor for Lutheran Church - Canada, is the guest preacher for the service.