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April 24, 2022
In loving memory ~
We are saddened to announce the sudden passing of Barbara Vera Basaraba (nee Zarchukoff ) on April 24, 2022. Barbara was a resident of the Boswell area and loved her life there with the people of the community she had called home since 1989.
Barbara was raised in Salmo, BC, the youngest child of Alex and Fanny Zarchukoff . She worked as a nurse in Vancouver, Lethbridge, and Edmonton and did the mail run along Kootenay Lake for many years. Barbara was predeceased by her parents and her brother Alex Zarchuko and sisters Laura Desnoyers and Mary Wishlow. She was predeceased by her husband, the love of her life, George Basaraba, in 1985 and by her partner and companion Al Becker in 2000. The loss of her grandson Joshua Heisie was a signifcant blow to Barbara in 2020. She is survived by her daughter Lorna Heisie of Creston, BC, grandson Matt Heisie of Los Angeles, California, and sister Winnie Carlson of Penticton, BC. She leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews whose lives she was very much a part of.
Barbara was very active in the Boswell community and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her friends in yoga class, book club, quilting club, carpet bowling league, dinner committees, and more. Barbara's primary hobby was quilting with at least one or more vibrant and intricate pieces always on the go that she shared with family and friends or donated to the community. Books were another passion, with 4 or 5 stories on the go at any time.
Distance was not a concern to maintaining close ties with her friends and family. She frequently hosted countless guests at the home she built in Twin Bays, and would hop in the car without hesitation to travel from Calgary to Penticton several times a year on her rounds of visits. She'd frequently travel into Creston (Wloka's Fruit Stand was a favorite destination), where it seemed ice cream was often involved. When not quilting, she was often house sitting, dog sitting, and visiting.
Barbara's sudden departure has left many of us deeply saddened, and the community without a great connector who brought people together.
In memory of Barbara, we will get together on June 11, 2022 at the Boswell Community Hall from 11:00 am-3:00 pm to share stories, food, experiences, fun times, adventures and collectively remember this person whom many loved. Barb would ask that any donations be made to the Boswell Hall to support the community.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com.
Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services Kelowna, 250-762-2299.

First Memorial Funeral Services


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