BASSARAB, Frances Bertha [Hamilton]

Frances Bassarab, our beloved Mother and Nana, passed away after a short illness on January 18, 2017 in Didsbury at the age of 88 years. Frances was born to Edith and Eric Leadbetter in Alameda, California, on October 08, 1928. The family moved back to Birmingham, England, in 1938 where she lived throughout the duration of World War 2. That experience made an impact on how she lived the rest of her life. In 1946, the family moved to Canada, eventually settling in Calgary. Frances married Arthur Hamilton in 1950, moved into their only home in 1952 and started a family. In 1965 Frances returned to the work force as an administrative secretary for Alpine Management/Lake O’Hara Lodge. Frances often mentioned her work years were happy ones because she loved going up to Lake O’Hara when it opened for the season, handling the reservations and getting to know the guests, many of whom became close friends. After the passing of Arthur in 1980, and upon retirement, Frances married Russell Bassarab in 1984. She loved to travel and made many trips back to England over the years, along with a tour of Europe and Hawaii.
After the passing of her second husband in 1999, Frances moved to Didsbury, in 2002 to be near her daughter. Frances was predeceased by her parents, her first husband Arthur and her second husband Russell. She is survived by her daughter Sandra [Ronald] Boyko, her beloved grandsons Kristopher and Ryan as well as several step-children and their families, several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family is especially grateful to the various caregivers involved in her life the past few years. Private Graveside services will be held on Monday, January 23, 2017 at Queen’s Park Cemetery, Calgary. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Didsbury, entrusted with arrangements. 403-335-4773
www.heartlandfuneralservices.com