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It is with heartfelt sorrow that Phyllis’ family shares the sad news of her sudden passing on September 13, 2021. Phyllis is survived by her mother, Victoria; her son, Dr. Bradley Basaraba (Dana Bao); 3 grandchildren, Naomi, Michael & Nathan; as well as her 3 cocker spaniels. She was predeceased by her father, William.
Born in Smoky Lake on January 5, 1947, Phyllis lived on a farm until her father moved the family to Clyde Corner to operate a corner café & garage. An athletic & pretty young girl, she competed in high school sports and caught the bus to Edmonton on Saturdays to model at the Hudson’s Bay. Shortly after the family moved to Edmonton where her son was born, Phyllis started a Bachelor of Home Economics course of studies at the University of Alberta, followed by a Bachelor of Psychology. Phyllis paid her way through University as a Klondike girl, and worked a variety of jobs in the hospitality industry, at the Old Bailey Lounge, Hotel MacDonald, Chateau Lacombe & the Royal Glenora Club. A farm girl at heart, she enjoyed spending many weekends at her Baba’s farm near Hamlin, mastering the Ukrainian language, both written & spoken. In addition to traditional Ukrainian cooking, gardening, sewing & canning, Phyllis loved dancing, especially the traditional Ukrainian dances. With Edmonton real estate booming in the seventies, she sold homes for Aldridge Homes. Then as a real estate agent for Block Brothers, Phyllis was top female realtor in Edmonton, proudly being one of the first to own a car phone.
In 1978 a tragic crash occurred when Phyllis’ brother ran out of gas piloting a helicopter. Phyllis was left a paraplegic. Encouraged and supported by her son, she spent that summer in the Aberhart Hospital, rehabilitating from her spinal cord injury and trying to learn to walk again. Determined not to let her disability get her down, once discharged from the hospital Phyllis got her disability driver’s license and started a new path in life. She got actively involved in federal and provincial politics, working for MP Steve Paproski and 7 Steps Society, and gaining a lifetime position in Edmonton North as an Elections Canada Returning Officer.
Phyllis connected with relatives in Ukraine and Argentina, making many trips to visit new family. She travelled the world in a wheelchair. This led her to her next phase of life, a familiar face selling Ukrainian souvenirs at the Ukrainian Village, Smoky Lake Pumpkin Festival, and many Ukrainian festivals in Alberta. She got her Master of Arts degree in Ukrainian linguistics, and was recruited by the United Nations to serve as an Observer for Ukraine’s first election. This led to two more missions with the Canadian Government to observe Ukraine Elections. And the last time she was personal assistant to honorable Prime Minister John Turner.
Despite her wheelchair confinement, Phyllis managed to work several jobs to support her family and help her son obtain a BSc at Alabama, DC at Texas Chiropractic College, and a Postgraduate in Chiropractic Neurology in Amsterdam, Holland. She visited him in Phoenix, Dallas, Tuscaloosa, Alabama and England. Phyllis was her son’s biggest fan in athletics, football & bobsleigh.
When her son Bradley, a 17-year ex-patriot, returned to Edmonton, Phyllis made up lost time spoiling her 3 grandchildren and cocker spaniels. As Granny Phyllis’ helping hands were very much appreciated by her son’s family, they always included her on family trips to the mountains, JPL, Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Disneyland. Granny Phyllis was great at sewing, cooking and babysitting, spending precious weekends at the family farm with her grandkids. She was also primary caregiver to her aging mother.
A Private Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, September 21 at Grace Gardens Funeral Chapel, St. Paul. Reverend Father Peter Haugen will be officiating, with interment in St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, Hamlin. To send condolences online, please visit www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com.
GRACE GARDENS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 5626 – 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1 780-645-2677
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Phyllis BASARABA January 5 1947
September 13 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: St. Paul, Province: Alberta