Phyllis Chichenko

May 15, 1933 – Woolchester, Alberta

October 21, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Phyllis Chichenko of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at the age of 88 years.

Phyllis was born in Woolchester, AB on May 15, 1933.Throughout her life, Phyllis moved to Medicine Hat, AB; Maple Ridge, BC; back to Medicine Hat, AB and finally to Calgary, AB meeting and accumulating many wonderful memories and friends over the years.

Phyllis married Elmer Frisch in October 1950 and together, they had six children. Later, Phyllis married Carl Chichenko in December 1964 and celebrated fifty-three years of marriage together before Carl’s passing in 2017.

Phyllis was a member of the Echo Harmonica Club that entertained hundreds of people over the years throughout the Fraser Valley and northern Washington State. She accomplished much throughout her life and was particularly proud of the upholstery business she owned and operated for almost 50 years.

Phyllis enjoyed playing the accordion, organ, and guitar. She also discovered her love of painting when she was 85 and was so happy to give each of her children an original painting for Christmas in 2019. She will be most remembered for her unassuming way of making you feel a part of her world with her smile.

Phyllis is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law, Margaret Dremelj (Viljem) of Medicine Hat, AB; Gloria Treiber (Barry) of Medicine Hat; Sandra Keenan (Paul) of Medicine Hat, AB and Darlene Dorchak of Calgary, AB. Phyllis is also survived by her only son, Adam Frisch of Calgary, AB. Twelve grandchildren, and many more great-grandchildren. Phyllis is also survived by one brother, Rueben (Linda) of Kelowna, BC, two sisters, Lydia Klaudt of Sydney, BC, and Violet Pratt of Calgary, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a multitude of friends around the world.

Phyllis was predeceased by her husband, Carl; her daughter and son-in-law Karen Beck (Richard); parents, Lydia and Simon Wahler; brothers, Ray Wahler and Johnny Wahler; and sisters, Molly Maser, Helen Sauter, and Freda Mackenzie.

A celebration of Phyllis’ life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant Gerry Getz officiating. A time of fellowship with refreshments will follow in the Cook Southland Reception Facility with interment thereafter at Hillside Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com  Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4.  Telephone:  403-527-6455 or toll free at:  1-877-528-6455.