It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness our family shares the death of our beloved Nasri Gabriel Tarzibashi, who died peacefully on June 26, 2023 at the age of 84. Nasri is predeceased by his father Gabriel Tarzibashi, mother Katrine Tarzibashi (Tazbaz), sister Janet Tarzibashi and brother John Tarzibashi. Nasri is remembered by his wife Daisy Tarzibashi (Maghee); daughters Jacqueline Tarzibashi and Suzette Zakko (Saide Zakko); grandchildren Daniel Zakko, Melissa Zakko; brother-in-laws & cousins Donald & Antoinette Maghee, Lewis & Magdalena Maghee, John & Claudia Salloum, George & Soraida Shamey, and countless friends and family across Canada, United States, Chile, Syria, Lebanon.

Nasri was born on April 15, 1939 in Derebese, Syria and was the son of Gabriel & Katrine Tarzibashi. He had one brother John and one sister Janet. At the of 8, he lost his brother and father, in the same month. Since his mother was now a young widow, he was sent to live in the Roman Catholic orphanage in Aleppo where he spent most of his childhood and teenage years. These were very difficult years for him being away from his mother, sister, and family. During this time, he served in the church as an altar boy, member of the choir, and a church reader. After several years, he moved to Lebanon and lived in the Armenian district, Bourj Hamoud for 10 years. During this time, he learned the trade of carpentry and which became his passion, and later, his career. After a few years in Lebanon, his sister Janet passed away. 

In 1970 he and his mother immigrated to Edmonton, Alberta Canada. On July 29, 1971 Nasri married his bride, Daisy Maghee and began a family. His daughters Jacqueline and Suzette were the apple of his eye. For years, Nasri worked as a carpenter and even built his own house. He then transitioned into owning various small businesses until he retired.

Above all, his grandchildren, Daniel and Melissa were his heart, pride and joy. He was blessed to be present at each of their births. They were his life. He loved sharing stories and pictures of them to everyone. He loved joking around with them and playing with them and taught them new things.

Despite life’s challenges, Nasri always found a way to make people smile by making them laugh. He loved getting to know people, young and old and enjoyed making friends wherever he went. He especially had a heart for children. Growing up in the orphanage was difficult and after he left, he vowed to always try his best to help children in need. He truly had a desire to support different charities to help less fortunate children around the world. His heart was very generous and his smile was very contagious.

We will miss looking into his eyes, hearing his voice, laughing with him, hearing his jokes, and hugging him. We give praise and glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the wonderful life he lived and we will cherish the countless memories he left us with. Our faith gives us comfort that he is resting in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ without suffering. Remembering him is easy, we will do it every day. Missing him is a heartache that will never go away.

From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank you all for your love, prayers, comfort and presence today.

A special thank you to Father Sayed, pallbearers, church readers and all the family and friends that generously helped with the funeral arrangements and mercy meal.

Viewing & Prayer Service

Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

St. John the Evangelist Church

9850 148 Street, Edmonton, AB

Mass of Christian Burial

Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

St. John the Evangelist Church

9850 148 Street, Edmonton, AB