Obituary of Lillian Bassendowski

We would like to celebrate the life of our beloved Lillian Bassendowski (Klassen) who passed away September 1, 2023 at the age of 93. Lillian was born October 26, 1929 at Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan as the second child of eight.  She married Jacob George (Ducky) Bassendowski in 1948 and farmed near Shamrock from 1950 to 1987.

She was always cheerful and optimistic, never complaining.  She worked hard and did whatever she had to as a farmer’s wife. She raised three children, milked cows, fed chickens and pigs, and grew a large garden. She drove tractor, picked rocks by hand, drove the grain truck just to name a few of the things she did as part of her life on the farm. When in the house she did it all; cooking, canning, baking what we considered the best buns and pastries ever. Very little was bought from the grocery store. You either raised it, grew it or made it.  In the winter her hands were never idle; sewing, knitting, crocheting, needle point, quilting and crafts. Every piece was meticulously completed.

They retired and moved to Swift Current in 1987.  They bought a cottage and a boat, and loved fishing together for close to 16 years. There still was her garden and arts and crafts.  She lived in her own home and drove her own car until health issues required her to move to a care home three years ago.

Lillian is predeceased by her daughter, Roxana Bassendowski, her husband of 55 years, Jacob George (“Ducky”) as well as 5 sisters and 1 brother. 

She is survived by her daughter Elaine (John Kaptein), her grand-son Matt Kaptein (Lydia Shawan), and her great-grandchildren Ethan and Emilia) and her grand-daughter Yvonne Kaptein (Brian Kelley), her son Dwayne (Louise Bouvier) and her grand-son Kevin Bassendowski (Kristen), and her great-grandchildren Emmett and Bridget, her brother, Ron Klassen (Marlene), and numerous nephews and nieces.

Interment will be at Shamrock Cemetery for family members only.  All are invited to a Celebration of Life to be held at the Shamrock Community Hall on September 30, 2023 at 1:00 pm. Memorial donations can be made to a charity of your choice; flowers gratefully declined.