Shelley Joan Bassendowski passed away peacefully at the age of 57 on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at the Palliative Care Unit at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. Her brother Ron and close friend Anne Opp were at her side. Special thanks to Joan Braaten, Darlene Heeg and Anne Opp, who spent numerous nights at Shelley’s hospital bedside. Shelley was predeceased by her father Oscar (1993) and her mother Clara
(1984). She is survived by her brother Ron (Moose Jaw), Aunt Lorraine Bassendowski (Moose Jaw), Aunt Olga Lohse (Calgary), numerous cousins and many close friends in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Arizona. Born June 9, 1953 at Gravelbourg, Sask., Shelley attended school in Moose Jaw, Sask. and later received her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Regina. She taught at Liebenthal, Sask. from 1975 - 1985.
She taught in Burstall, Sask., from 1986-2005, at which time she retired. Shelley enjoyed traveling extensively. After retiring, she spent winter months in Arizona. Her interests also included golfing, bowling and yard work and volunteering in the community. Shelley was also involved in many professional teaching organizations over her 30-year career. Shelley courageously fought her battle with breast cancer for 13 months. A Memorial Service will be held at Hope Church, Burstall, Sask., Feb. 18, 2011 at 1 p.m. CST. Rev. Dr. Shane Andrus and Pastor Larry Glaeske co-officiating. The interment will take place in Moose Jaw, Sask. at Rosedale Cemetery at a future date. The family would like to thank Dr. Foley, Dr. Trudeau and the nurses of the Palliative Care Unit, Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (Please specify donations to be directed to breast cancer research) or to a charity of your choice. Binkley’s Funeral Service, Maple Creek and Leader, in charge of arrangements.