Christine Jane Wiezbenski

Christine (Zak) Wiezbenski

Christine Wiezbenski passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, at the Hospice of Northwest Ohio Ebeid Center in Sylvania, Ohio. Christine was born on February 25, 1928, in Toledo, OH, the daughter of John Zak, and Laura (Leocadia Wysocki) Zak. She attended St. Hedwig Catholic church and school in North Toledo and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School.

On October 13, 1948, Chris married the love of her life, Joseph Wiezbenski. They remained in Toledo, OH and began raising a family. Our mother was a devoted mother who had a humble upbringing, who instilled in her children respect for people and property, and, to treat everyone equally. She further dedicated her life to her children by sacrificing her needs to take care of the needs of her children.

Our mother helped out her dad, John Zak, who owned a store called Zak's Variety, at the corner of Elm and Mettler. She and her brother, Ron Zak , at the end of the day, would clean the store, the meat trays, and the cutting tools for the meat. As Chris's children grew, she got a clerical job at St. Vincent Hospital and worked there for several years.

Our mother's real skills were in the kitchen, where she baked and cooked for everyone she knew. If you were ill, you had homemade chicken noodle soup coming your way. If you were celebrating, she provided the homemade Buckeyes (delicious beyond words), Kruschiki (Angel Wings) and other delicious foods! The taste was never disappointing. Her lamb cakes sprinkled with coconut were always a piece of artistry at Easter time. She also donated numerous hours making Pierogi with her friends for the former Polish Festival when it was celebrated on Lagrange St.

Left to cherish her memory and unending love are her children Kenneth Wiezbenski (Janis), Kevin Wiezbenski (Mary), and Sheryl Harold; ten grandchildren: Joseph Heaps, Jennifer Price, Nicholas Wiezbenski, Andrew Wiezbenski, Stephanie DeLiberato, Kristen Wiezbenski Disbrow, Faith Harold, Danielle Harold, Samantha Harold, and Nicolette Harold, along with nine great grandchildren, and her brother Ron (Roni) Zak,and numerous nieces and nephews.

Chris was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Joseph, daughters Sue Heaps and Sandy Hopkins, parents Laura and John Zak, brothers Edward and Richard; sisters Ursula Haas, Florence Wiezbenski, Theresa Smith, Delphine Studer and Barbara Madrzykowski and grandchild Bailey Harold.

Rest in peace mom. You taught us well and now you can enjoy your reunion with dad, Susie, Sandy and the whole gang there. Thanks for always being there for us, and until we meet again, please keep a watchful eye on all of us left here.

Special thanks to the administration and staff (you know who you are) at the Gardens of St. Francis in Oregon, OH. You were all so kind and caring to our mother. We would also like to thank Lani and Cassidy at Promedica Bay Park Hospital for being so compassionate and thoughtful. Special thanks as well to all the angels at Ebeid Hospice Center who are disguised as people. Your compassion, kindness and caring is a true calling.

Funeral services for Christine will be Thursday, June 5th, at Gardens of St. Francis, 930 S. Wynn Rd, Oregon, OH., with visitation beginning at 9 am, followed by mass of Christian burial at 10:00 am.

 The family would like any contributions to be given to The Gardens of St. Francis or Hospice of Northwest Ohio. The Urbanski Funeral Home, a Life Celebration Home, 5055 Secor Rd., Toledo, Ohio, has assisted the family with the arrangements.