ZAKIA MELCHERT – Born: March 23, 1948 Died: March 25, 2021
– Baptized: May 18, 1963
In loving memory of Zakia Melchert, who died peacefully in her sleep, on March 25, 2021 at Saanich Peninsula Hospital, Saanichton, B.C.
Zakia was predeceased by her parents Jacob and Nora Fayad and her brother Basheer Fayad. She is survived by her husband Gordon and daughters Melissa, Natira {Merle} Richert, and Anjeanette {Paul} Gauthier, as well as two grandchildren Tavia and Nahum Krip. She is also survived by four siblings Jeanette Tackett, Foued Fayad, Sameer Fayad, Ruth Jopson.
Zakia was born in Belize, Central America on March 23, 1948. She moved to Canada when she was approximately 19 years old, met Gordon, and got married when she was 22. She was a faithful servant of Jehovah who loved to help others and she shared her faith with many. Throughout her life her main focus was her service to Jehovah and her love of family and friends. Zakia had a particular fondness for children and she loved pets. especially small dogs. She loved to entertain and cook for large groups of friends. Zakia will be missed and remembered fondly by many.
Due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID pandemic, a memorial service will be held virtually on Zoom. Please contact Merle Richert for details – merlerichert@gmail.com
It is with heavy hearts that we send our love and sympathy out to you Gordon and to your family.
May Jehovah’s loving arms sustain you now and in the days ahead.
2 Corinthians 1:3
Gordon, Melissa,Natira, Anjeanette and significant others,
My deepest sympathy to all of you in the loss of Zakia. I will always remember the love and support Zakia and Gordon showed me and my family during a difficult time.
Wendy and Family
Dear Gordon.
When I think of you and Zakia, the first thing to pop into my mind is Vern’s Pizza in Regina…yum. We had many laughs around a giant pizza pie…but Zakia and I had many deep conversations, too. I look forward to chatting with her again soon. There is no one who understands your pain more than Jehovah. Keep Him close and before you know it, she’ll be back…with a huge smile…ready to get to work.
So sorry to hear of Zakia’s passing. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. I missed the funeral service this afternoon and am so sad. Should have made myself a note as a reminder. Take care. Will keep you in my prayers. It will be wonderful to see her in the new system in good health and her happy smile.
Sharing in your loss Gordon and family. We know Jehovah is with you and will comfort you through this difficult time. Both the comments left here and the many many friends who joined in for her memorial clearly show how much she was appreciated as a person and a sister. What a welcome back party it will be when after a good rest she wakes up and she will not be tired anymore.
Love from Joe and Rene
Dear Gordon and family,
May Jehovah provide you comfort at such a distressing loss. Zakia was always a joy to visit with at assemblies. Our first contact was as first time mothers in Whitmore Park..
How much we all long for the time when death and mourning will be no more! We will gather together to welcome back those who have died and tears of joy will flow. Gordon and family – hoping that you find comfort in that hope and in the support you give each other in the days ahead. My condolences!
Gordon and family
Tried to get into the zoom meeting but after many tries I gave up.
Thinking of you and the family at this time.
Zakia was a faithful witness who is now resting in peace .l along with you look forward to seeing our loved ones again in the resurrection near at hand.
Marion
Gordon. Our hearts go out to you. We have wonderful memories of our time back in Gladmer Park when all of our kids were small and we’d come over to your house for those delicious salbutas. May Jehovah bless you and comfort you.
Doug Stein
I am so sorry for your loss Gordon. May it be of some comfort to know that Zakia has faithfully completed her race.
I was so sad to hear of Zakia passing. I look forward to hearing her wonderful laugh and seeing her beautiful smile again one day. I know Jehovah will continue to be your arm of support and comfort until you see her again. Sending love and hugs
Our friend will be missed. But safe in Jehovahs memory until we meet in the new system. Jones family
Although John and I did not know Zakia for a long time it was very clear she was a spiritual woman who put Jehovah first in her life. We are sorry she had such a fight with her health. How happy we are to understand that she will never have to say,”I feel sick” again (Isaiah 33:24) Her treasures in heaven are bountiful and her hope is sure.
I have such good memories of the Melchert Family: sleepovers, salbutas, 80s neon, more sleepovers, watching my first VHS movie!
I hope your good memories with your wife, mom, sister, aunt get you through this time until you meet with her again.
Many good times in the service. Death certainly is an enemy. It seems like just yesterday I was at the hall with both of you. Gordon and family you have my sincere condolences. But we know she was faithful and endured till the end and Jehovah will reward her.
Dearest Gordon and family. We were so saddened to hear of Zakia’s passing. We feel your grief. Death sure is an enemy. What comfort we can get from 2 Corinthians 1:3,4. “The Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials. Zakia is in Jehovahs memory, and He remembers all her loyal service as Hebrews 6:10 says, He won’t forget your work and the love you showed for his name.”We will see Zakia soon in the New World. How joyous that will be
Dear Gordon and family,
So, very sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you. My, Jehovah , the God of comfort, comfort you today and the days ahead, as you await the fulfillment of His promises. Dundas Family
Dear Gordon and Family,
Zamia was a very impressive spiritual person. She’ll be missed temporarily because we will see her again soon in paradise. We have ever confidence that Jehovah loved her!
Uh Agape,
Barrie & Imy
Much Agape
Gordon, Melissa, Natira , Anjeanette and family, on behalf of the Cleary, Tichit, Sikorski family – we are sending you lour love and our deepest condolences. Losing one we love is difficult even with our future hope. Our thoughts are with you, and pray that Jehovah provides you and the family peace. Zakia will always be remembered for her zealous preachings activities and her love of others. We look forward to seeing her again very soon.
Naomi Tichit
So sorry for your family’s loss. Even though I never met Zakia in person, I looked forward to her heartfelt & encouraging comments at the meetings. May Jehovah and our wonderful hope, family and the brotherhood be a source of encouragement during this sad time. 2Thes.2:16,17
Many fond memories of Zakia! Her love of Jehovah and her conviction in His promises. Her excitement in hearing the truth in the language of her heart (Belize Kriol)! Zakia’s quick smile, her warm and friendly nature, the time we spent together in service, the many family get-togethers and of course those salbutes! May your happy memories and Jehovah’s great love bring you comfort now and in the days ahead. Looking forward to a very happy reunion in the new world to come when Jehovah ‘heals all our ailments’ and brings our loved ones back. Psalm 103:3,4
Uncle Gordon and girls – we’re so sorry for your loss. We’re thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. You are definitely well-surrounded by the brothers and sisters. We look forward to the day very soon when we can spend time catching up, hearing her laugh, sharing stories, seeing her spunk once again and in full health! She was a force to be reckoned with even if not in perfect health. Imagine her energy in perfection!! Luv ya lots! Tonalee (Melchert) Ewen, Bob Ewen
My condolescense to thr family
Rest in peave
We met im Belize in 1963 and we were in communication since them
My condolescence to her family. My e mail is ggsuazo$msn.com
Gloria G. Suazo
Dear Gordon, Melissa, Natira and Anj, I am so sorry for your loss! I can hear Zakia’s voice and laughter even after so many years. As an intimate note, I was told by my mom she was so kind to me as a hungry baby that I have her DNA in me. May you find Psalm 73:26 a comfort for you in this most distressing time. “My body and my heart may fail, but God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever’”. Just around the corner!
Gord and family, our hearts break to hear this sad news. We were truly happy to have a moment to visit together when you moved to Victoria…to see Zakia’s smile and to be reminded of her ever faithful loyalty to Jehovah that she’s maintained all these years – Jehovah has taken note of each day. I will always remember the warmth of your house as a child in Regina and those amaaaazing salbutas! Your family is in our prayers that Jehovah comfort each one of you with his power and with the hope of a wonderful new world. We look forward to seeing her healthy and reunited with all who love her. Sending you our love.
Hello Gordon, Zakia’s passing will certainly leave a hole in our congregation! We were not able to get to know her well, but her deep love for Jehovah and her eagerness to support the congregation was so evident in her comments. We will never ever forget hearing her strained breathing as she desperately struggled to share her thoughts and experiences with us all. We look forward to getting to know her better in the paradise. Love, John and Karen
Our dear brother Gordon and family.
We are so sorry for your loss of Zakia- wonderful person and our faithful sister. She is in our hearts and will be missed. We are looking forward to see her soon in the beautiful New World.
May Jehovah be with you and your family.
Love and hugs,
Mark & Angie Kazakpayev
Sniff! We are truly saddened by the news of my aunt’s passing. Living in Montreal makes these things a lot more difficult. How I will miss the salbutes!!! Yum! I could never make them myself. This is not Goodbye, but Until we meet again. And when we do meet again, it will be great to get together to cook such great Belizean food. Goodbye my dear, we will miss you! All our love, Layna and Edison (Melchert) Ayvazyan
I already miss my little sister. I love you so much.
You found “your Janette”
I love you too my brother Gordon.
Dear Gord.
It was super fun having you guys as our neighbours growing up. Jessica and I always enjoyed talking about Belize together with you two In service. You guys were a beautiful team together. Oh the salbutes! You are in our thoughts.
I am at a loss for words to describe how much Zakia meant to me, especially during recent days, weeks and years when we both had difficulties travelling and hooking up.
I also regret not being able to provide the care and comfort that would have been so valuable in these times for both of us.
Zakia, may you Rest In Peace.
I love you so much, my dear little sister.
Foed my condolescense
So many mmemories como to my mind. So sad
Our most heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Gord. We know she is now without physical pain, though she never once complained. We will remember how kind, smart and gentle she was. Just last summer we were enjoying her company in the sun, with great conversation and laughs in the backyard.
May the loving thoughts of your many friends comfort you at this time.
~ Claudio & Maureen
So sorry you lost the love of your life, Gordon. May Jehovah comfort you and your family at this sad time and in the days to come. It was a real privilege knowing Zamia. She will be greatly missed.
.
My condolescense to thr family
So sorry for your loss in Zakia’s passing. She was a faithful, encouraging sister that brightened our congregation with her spiritual and upbuilding comments. May Jehovah bless your family during this difficult time until we see our loved ones again. Job 14:15.
Warm Christian Love, Denine Larsen and family.
We have many fond memories of Zakia. May you (Gordon) and family draw on Jehovah’s comfort as you journey on into the new world where Zakia will happily be reunited with you. Her hope was unfailing! Jehovah will deliver! Until then she is safely in His memory! She fought the fine fight ! Christian love from Richard and Marlene and family
My dear brother Gord. I would like to my deepest sympathies on the passing of Zakia. I have a date with Beth Farquar to run through the daisies. I will be extending an invitation to Zakia as well. May Jehovah strengthen you at this time as well as the rest of the family. All my love.
it’s so hard for me to come to terms that she is gone. The comfort I have is that she is in Jéhovah’s memory and very soon I get to see her without all the pain she had to deal with. I love her so much, she took me in like a daughter. Nathan would miss his Grandma Zakia.♥️
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Gordon. How we look forward to the day when we can see Zakia again.
We are so sorry. May Jehovah give you the strength you need to cope with your loss.
My condolence to Gordon
and his family Zakia was mother to my daughter when she got to Regina and my daughters children will always call her grandma zakia. I personally love her so much and enjoy her fine comments at meetings her good works are in Jehovah’s memory will’l welcome her back in the new world
I was very sorry to hear of Sister Melchert’s passing. I regretfully never had the opportunity to meet her in person, but I admired her strength and commitment to Jehovah greatly. It was a privilege to have shared our zoom meetings with her. One last “sleep” til a beautiful tomorrow….My prayers are with her family at this difficult time. Sincerely Kathleen
We are so sad to hear about the passing of Sister Zakiya. Please accept our sympathies. We look forward to being reunited with her in the near future when death will be no more. We will always love and remember her.
I was very saddened that I had lost my spiritual grandmother. I will always remember her love that she showed to people. I look forward to seeing her again in Paradise.
We are deeply sorry to hear of your loss.we will miss her very much.her comments were always so up building and encouraging.we look forward to see her real soon.Acts 24:15
Dave and vi miller
Dear Gordon & Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Zakia. Zakia was so encouraging to us and we will miss her so much. We eagerly await the time when we will be able to welcome her back! Job 14:15 – “You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands.”
Warm Christian Love,
Renee & Katelynn Hauca
My deep condolences to the family from the Card family.
Rev 21:4 is very comforting in these tines. Soon Jehovah will restore all that was lost.
A short sleep, and we’ll see you soon. All health issues will not be remembered or even come to mind. In perfect health, no more issues to be dealt with! Jehovah’s kingdom promises well come to pass. Stay strong, and keep the faith, these things are SURE to come to pass, Gordon & family.
Dear Gordon and family,
We are saddened to hear of Zakia’s passing. We always had such good times with your family, especially when salbutas were involved.
We look forward to sharing good times again in the new world. Hugs from us!
How are you. Miss seeing you in Regina.
Gordon we are so sorry for you loss thinking about you and looking forward to our resurrection hope
Glenn and Annette robson
Dear Gordon,
We already miss Zakia very much! She was one of my closest friends. A adopted Mom to Neal and a Grandma to my kids. We have wonderful cherished memories that we hold dear! Looking forward to being reunited with a wonderful welcome back celebration in paradise. We are sorry for your loss.
Love The Longuls
We will miss Zakia (momma) very, very much. She was a very special person who was kind, generous and loving. We spent many hours at the Melchert home and have many fond memories of them all. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gord(dad) and the rest of the family as they grieve at this time. Soon she will awaken in Jehovah’s promised paradise healthy and happy once again (and sassy lol). May Jehovah be with you all at this time.
Dear Gordon and children: We will all miss dear Zakia. She was one of a kind. Her faith and love for Jehovah were very evident. She made such a difference in my life as I now have the same hope. We will have some great get togethers in new world. May Jehovah support you through this most difficult time.
Indeed Sis Melchert will be missed. I loved her soooo very much. She loved our God Jehovah, kind, friendly,forgiving and many many more fine attributes. I personally enjoyed her company & preaching with her was an absolute
pleasure, coupled with a wealth spiritual experience both at home and abroad. She focused on the good news despite her pains. To the entire family I say my sincerest and deepest sympathy,
but with the hope of a resurrection deep in our mind and hearts. Therefore we will not be surprised to see her very soon. It is clear at John 5:28-29. May Jehovah strengthen and comfort Bro Gordon + family. Yes we Love to everyone of you.
My heart was broken when I heard about your dear Wife Zakia. I have so many fond childhood memories at your place. I sure miss those time as kids when I would just hang out at your place with Anjeanette and Zakia was always there taking care of her household. I’ll always remember Zakia especially when I play solitaire. As it was her that taught me how to play. We pray that Jehovah give you the comfort you deserve Gordon. Our love to you and the rest of the family. Soon we will all be reunited with our family and friends again in the New world to come. With much Love, Evelynn Kushniruk
So sorry to heard that bad news we have good memories from zekia , but soon we all going to give her a big hag to welcome her back , love from the Edelmans from Winnipeg .
We will miss her every day until Jehovah restores her to us. We will never forget all her efforts in sharing knowledge of Jehovah and His purposes with us. Thanks to her 3 of us have established a relationship with Him
My heartfelt condolences go out to you Gordon. Zakia was a faithful witness to Jehovah as well as being a faithful wife. We loved her dearly as did everyone else who knew her especially her little friends.
You will miss her dearly. Now she rests soon to say a happy “Good Morning”
Our God Jehovah remembers her zeal and joy as a witness.
We are so sorry for your loss Gordon. She will rest now in Jehovah’s memory until she wakes in his new system.
Phyllis and Courtenay O’Connor