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. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 12, 2017 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home in Kalispell, MT, before Marie journeys to ND. The Divine Liturgy in Belfield, ND will be celebrated by Reverend Yuri Sas on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church. Interment will follow at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, with a rosary recitation by William Belinski, and Parastas cantered by Gerry Grosulak at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to Divine Liturgy at the church on Saturday.
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.
While residing in Columbia Falls, Marie was instrumental in the formation of the musical group, the Troubadours, as she loved music and singing. Marie had an infectious smile, a sweet sense of humor, and natural leadership abilities. She was extremely active in the Columbia Falls Senior Citizen Center, and brought an art to volunteering through her many years of dedication with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Flathead County. Despite the distance, Marie was an avid supporter of the Ukrainian Cultural Institute, and kept in touch with many close friends and relatives in ND.
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.
Pallbearers are Fred and Coby Haas, Jeremy Thompson, and Oleh Ivanets.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ukrainian Cultural Institute, and the ND Ukrainian Dance Association in Marie’s eternal memory.

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