Margaret Rose Gillen (nee Basaraba) passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on January 7, 2026, one month after her 99th birthday. Born in Esk, Saskatchewan, she was the first born of Michael and Ottelie Basaraba. Her father was employed by CP rail and the family, along with younger brother Kenneth, lived in Esk, LeRoy, Yorkton and Handel. Margaret spoke most often of her days in Handel where she attended high school and met her husband to be, Victor.

Margaret went to Saskatoon to study nursing at St. Paul’s Hospital, graduating in 1949. She was so proud to be a nurse – it had been a lifelong aspiration. She worked in obstetrics in Unity, Prince Albert, St Paul’s and then had a VON route. She dearly loved caring for moms and babies. In later years, she accompanied patients in ambulance transport and she was a private duty nurse, sitting at the bedside.

Margaret married Victor Gillen August 1, 1953 in Saskatoon. They relocated to North Battleford in 1958 where they remained and raised their two children. She supported her children in their activities, music and sports. She was the president of the NB Music Festival for several years and she could be found in the stands of the ball diamond or hockey rink. Margaret and Victor were members of the Kinettes and Kinsmen Clubs and moved to the K-40’s when they were of age.

Margaret loved language. She grew up in a German and Russian speaking environment and she studied Latin. She collected and read books of poetry and she cut out all types of stories and sayings from the newspaper and magazines. She loved the challenge of Scrabble and had hours of enjoyment with friends over “words”. She golfed well into her 80’s, and sang in various choirs over the years. Summers at the lake were cherished. Many winters were spent in Victoria escaping the cold. Margaret and Victor had amazing lifelong friendships.

Margaret’s greatest pride and joy were her four grandchildren. She was their greatest supporter at dance, hockey or ringette events and so proud of their accomplishments.  Most recently “GG” enjoyed the antics of 3 little great grandsons and a great grand-daughter. She lit up in surprise and delight meeting her 5th great grandchild, little Ezra, in her final days.

Special memories – apple pie, cinnamon buns, chocolate cake, a love of birds – especially hummingbirds, flowers of all kinds, famous camera shots, holiday meals, card games around the table at the lake, the smell of Clinique perfume and  pride in being from Saskatchewan – the land of living skies.

Left to cherish her memory is daughter, Janet (Rob), son, Bob (Toby), grandchildren Janel (Josh), Shauna (Nick), Jeff (Brooke), Jenna (Trevor) and great grandchildren, Kyrie, Jaxon, Jaden, Emilia and Ezra, sister-in-law, Lavonne, and numerous nieces and nephews. A private family service will be held at a later date.

Memorial Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Battlefords Heatlhcare Foundation, North Battleford, Sask. (PO Box 1358, North Battleford, SK S9A 3L8)

Condolences for the family can be made at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium – Trevor Watts Funeral Director.

• Date : 2026-01-09
• Location : North Battleford, SK