Obituary of Phyllis Catherine Chichenko (nee Wahler)

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-four years of marriage together before Carl’s passing in 2018.

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.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, November 5, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 6, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Those attending will be asked to confirm one of the following, (A) COVID vaccination (date requested), OR (B) a negative COVID test (within 72 hours), OR (C) Medical exemption AND valid government identification (with name & date of birth) OR (D) Under 12 years of age.

A Celebration of Phyllis’s Life will be held in Medicine Hat at a later date. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Phyllis Chichenko, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.