- Date Of Birth: September 10, 1924
- Date Of Death: September 5, 2017
- State: Montana
Marie Basaraba
Just five days before her 93rd birthday, Marie (Belinski) Basaraba was freed from years of physical pain and agony. Marie peacefully passed away on September 5, 2017 in Whitefish, MT.
The third child of Nick and Paraska (Haverlock) Belinski, Marie was born in Gorham, ND on September 10, 1924. Like her mother, Marie became an excellent cook and baker. At the age of 16, Marie married Sam Basaraba in Terry, MT on October 31, 1940. Marie worked tirelessly as they ranched and farmed north of Belfield, as well as ventured to Eugene, Oregon to work in the logging industry. After moving to Dickinson, Marie worked as a meat wrapper for many years, and then managed the bakery at the Red Owl store. Marie had a reputation of being known as a hard worker with a very strong work ethic. Marie valued independence, education, and being of service to others. Marie worked, and took care of others whether she was in pain, or not.
Sam and Marie had 4 children: Eugene (Joanne) Basaraba, Elko, NV, Julianne Basaraba, Kalispell, MT, Betty (Fred) Haas, Columbia Falls, MT, and Loree (Oleh) Ivanets, Dickinson, ND.
Despite working outside of the home for the majority of her life, Marie’s organizational skills allowed time for her to relax and enjoy her talents of sewing, gardening, cooking, baking, crocheting and embroidery. Many homes in ND and MT have been graced with creations of her handiwork; especially Ukrainian embroidery, and beautiful crocheted afghans.
In 1979, Marie left her beloved ND prairies, and began another chapter of her life to be near her children in the majestic mountains of northwestern MT. She moved to Big Fork, MT, and eventually settled in Columbia Falls.
Marie’s love for the Ukrainian culture was evident by her passing on the timeless Ukrainian traditions of Christmas Eve supper and Easter to her children and eight grandchildren: Darrin Basaraba, David (Carla) Basaraba, Elko, NV, Michelle (Brandon) Rigby, Coby Haas, Fairbanks, AK, Candace (Carson) Zumalt, Red Bluff, CA, Jeremy (Brianna) Thompson, Colorado Springs, CO, Alexis Basaraba-Thompson, Dickinson, ND, and Elizabeth Gawryluk, Bismarck, ND. Marie is survived by her children, grandchildren, and (13) great-grandchildren.
Marie’s siblings were very dear to her, as they were part of her support system through the years. She is survived by her sister, Marcella (Vic) Paluch, Los Angeles, CA, and her brother, William (Lori) Belinski, Billings, MT, and many nieces and nephews. Marie was preceded in death by her sister, Pauline Tabatt, brother, Sam Belinski, and her parents.
