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MARY ELIZABETH BASHA
Born: Apr 22, 1937
Date of Passing: Dec 25, 2020
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MARY ELIZABETH BASHA
(née MILLER)
April 22, 1937 - December 25, 2020
Mary was the loving wife of the late Jerry Basha and mother of Mark (Kathy), Carolyn (Gilles), Maureen, and Andrew (Jacqueline); grandmother of Ben and Mallory, Emelia, Maura and Sam, Gerry and Aimee; sister of Jane (Frank McGrath), Doris (Tony Vuorela), John (Gladys), Peter (Anne), Carolyn (Frank Elliot), and Judy (Hedley Best) and aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Mary lived a full and courageous life. Most remember her extraordinary strength and resilience as she refused to yield to either physical or spiritual challenges from multiple sclerosis, cancer, and loss of those she loved well before their time. We also remember her zest for life in earlier days, loving Newfoundland's outdoors - skiing snowy winter trails and beach days at the uncommonly warm Black Bank, listening to Dave Brubeck or watching for a new bird at her always filled feeder. Mary was a great swimmer and found freedom in the water. A sign of her fierce independence and will, she continued to swim even as her mobility decreased and she swam laps twice a week up to a year before her death.
Mary was born in Howley, Newfoundland to Phronie and Harry Miller. She graduated from Corner Brook Public School in 1953 and attended Mount Allison University. She then trained as an X-Ray Technician at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal. She worked at Ottawa Civic Hospital for two years and then at Western Memorial Hospital in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. Most of her life was spent there where she had many happy years, raising her family, and pursuing her career. In 2006 she moved to Winnipeg to live with her daughter Carolyn so that she could continue her life as independently as possible, something that was very important to her.
In accordance with Mary's wishes, cremation has taken place and her ashes will be returned to Newfoundland so that she can rest with Jerry and Mark at Mount Patricia Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MS Society of Canada.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Simple Cremation & Life Celebrations
204-421-5501 EthicalDeathCare.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 02, 2021
Condolences & Memories (19 entries)
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Our deepest condolences on Mrs. Basha’s Passing. She was our neighbor on Park Drive. My husband would clear the snow from her driveway every morning before he went to work so she could get to the pool, our daughter would help out when she had computer problems and our g daughter would help her with putting her groceries away . Her and I would have many chats over a glass of sherry So we have many fond memories of your dear mom She was always, always thankful and always had the biggest smile:) May she Rest In Peace Queenie and Lloyd Buglar St John’s - Posted by: Queenie Buglar (Neighbour and friend) on: Jan 14, 2021
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My dear cousins, Maureen, Andrew, Carolyn, Although is is difficult to Imagine our World without your Mom, it's easy to Imagine Heaven Rejoicing because She is there. I can hear your mom, my mom, & Aunt Eileen's roaring cackle as they share story over a game of cards. I have keen memory of time my mom & I spent around your mom's kitchen table. She was an amazing women who lives on in so many hearts. We can be sure she is smiling seeing Gerry & Mark. My Sincere Sympathy. - Posted by: Dorothy Cooley (Mae Schmidt's Daughter) on: Jan 08, 2021
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Mary Basha was a wonderful wife, mother and friend. So positive and loving. Maureen was, and still is, one of my daughter's (Debbie) best friend. So sorry to hear of her passing but she is now in Heaven with her husband and son. And she is at peace. God Bless - Posted by: Annetta Power (Friend) on: Jan 07, 2021
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Sending my deepest sympathy to those remembering and missing Mary Basha. Especially to Carolyn and family, sending heartfelt wishes for comfort and consolation, strength and peace. “After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.” - Aldos Huxley - Posted by: Laurel Martin (Friend; volunteer (not a singer) from The Phil) on: Jan 06, 2021
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Dear Carolyn, I'm so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. Please accept mine and Tina's condolences. Take good care. - Posted by: Rod Lyver (Friend) on: Jan 06, 2021
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I’m very sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. I never had the privilege of meeting her, but I enjoyed your brother, Mark, who used to play hockey in his younger years against my brother in GFW. Mark used to visit our house many times and was a fine young man. He was the most considerate and polite young man. Although it’s been a long time, I always thought he was raised by wonderful parents. My deepest condolences to the family. - Posted by: Elaine Kelly (Friend) on: Jan 06, 2021
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Sincere condolences to all the family. Mary was a lovely person and I always enjoyed talking with her, at CBC gatherings with our husbands, and at WMRH in the cafeteria where we would occasionally meet during lunch. May your good memories bring you comfort at this difficult time. Sympathy and best wishes going out to you. - Posted by: Elaine Watton (Friend) on: Jan 05, 2021
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Dear Carolyn and Gilles, Lise and I are offering you our sincere condolences for the passage of your mother/mother-in-law. Living through such a loss in current times certainly makes it more difficult. You are in our thoughts. Best regards, Lise et François - Posted by: François Gauvin and Lise Laverdure (Friends) on: Jan 05, 2021
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So sad to hear of Mary’s passing. We grew up together and remained friends until she left Corner Brook. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May she be at peace now. - Posted by: Gerine Collingwood (Friend) on: Jan 05, 2021
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Sorry to hear of Ms. Basha’s passing. Condolences to family and friends. - Posted by: Edward Smith ((formerly of Corner Brook)) on: Jan 05, 2021
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Please accept my condolences to her family from myself and John .I remember Mary and Gerry very well and looked after her when she went to the Arts and culture for many shows ,she was always pleasant amd always had a smile for me ,God bless you Mary RIP - Posted by: GLadys Batten (Friend from corner brook ) on: Jan 04, 2021
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So very sorry for your loss. Your Mom was such a warm and caring lady. She was strong and showed her strength in many beloved ways. She is at peace. Thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Michelle Roberts (Mullins) (Friend of family) on: Jan 04, 2021
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So sad to hear this news. Always carried herself with grace, a smile and a kind word. - Posted by: Paul Byrne (Friend) on: Jan 03, 2021
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A fighter in the face of severe challenges, never yielding to insurmountable forces while maintaining grace and dignity, a model to others how to cope when life deals unwanted situations. - Posted by: Betty, Don lang, (sister-in-law, friend) on: Jan 03, 2021
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Please accept our condolences on your Mom’s passing. We’ve known Mary for years in Corner Brook & Dave worked with your Dad at CBC for many years. They were such good friends. Your parents were such wonderful people. Your Mom & Dad will finally be together again. Remember all the happy memories. RIP - Posted by: Dave & Marie Louise Luther Corner BrookNL (Friends of Mary & Jerry) on: Jan 03, 2021
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Carolyn, Maureen and Andrew, So sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. She was a wonderful woman. I always liked seeing your Mom when our Mothers would visit when we were children growing up a few houses away from each other. Your Mother always had a smile and a kind word to say. May you find strength in your wonderful memories together. My condolences to you and your families In sympathy, Barbara Collins - Posted by: Barbara Collins (Family Friend, Corner Brook) on: Jan 03, 2021
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Sincere and heartfelt condolences to your families on this sad occasion. I was happy to note that family was with Mary when she passed. Always up for a new challenge, she once surrendered her kitchen to me so I could cook the two giant bags of fresh crab that her husband Gerry had procured during a fishing trip at Jacksons Arm. A lovely day in the family history. Rest in Peace - Posted by: Gerry Davis (Family) on: Jan 03, 2021
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Mary was a client of our hair salon and I am sorry to read of her passing. She always had a positive & fun natured spirit about her. Her mobility issues never seemed to get her down despite it's many challenges. Her visits to Cutting Loose Hair Design will be missed. - Posted by: TAMMIE DUECK (friend) on: Jan 02, 2021
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We’re so sad to hear of Mary’s passing. She was a strong, independent woman. Whenever she came to the shop for a cut we’d have great conversations and opinions were openly shared. Our sincere condolences to you, Carolyn and Gilles, and your family. - Posted by: Janet Wasney and Bob Tinker (Former neighbours, hairdresser ) on: Jan 02, 2021