Obituary of Geraldine Ann Biss

November 30, 1953 – Regina, Saskatchewan

April 5, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Our dear mother, daughter, and sister, Gerrie Biss, passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024, after a short but incredibly brave battle with cancer.

Over the years, there were a few places where one was likely to find Gerrie. She was a fixture in the Ukrainian community as a dance parent, dancer in Barvinok’s adult class, volunteer at the Calgary Ukrainian Festival, and patron of many zabavas (parties). She spent her summers at Katepwa Lake, sitting on the cabin’s huge deck, engaging in lively conversations with visiting in-laws, nieces, and nephews, all while devouring mystery novels or the latest works by Stephen King. Her weekly visits to the bingo hall and Friday night dinners with close friends were cherished traditions, as long as her meals were served without pepper. She was happiest wherever her granddaughter Ksenia was, whom she lovingly taught to say "Baba" after months of patient effort.

Gerrie married the love of her life, Pat, in 1974; they were inseparable throughout their 47-year-long marriage. Pat understood Gerrie better than anyone in the world, and they were truly best friends and partners. Pat and Gerrie relocated to Calgary soon after tying the knot, embarking on a beautiful journey together that included residing in four homes, numerous trips and cruises, and the joyous arrival of their son, Jordan, in 1984. Jordan has spent years trying to outsmart his mom, but she’d regularly tell him, “I may have been born yesterday, but it wasn’t last night!”

Pat and Gerrie loved Christmas, and they will be fondly remembered for the massive Ukrainian Christmas dinners they hosted. Gerrie had the most elaborate collection of nutcrackers, gave the best gifts, and made the most amazing, whipped shortbread cookies. She will be remembered for her raucous laugh, her little quips, her generosity, and her dedication to her family and community, but mostly for those cookies.

Gerrie’s memory lives on in her son Jordan (Christine), her mother Ruth, her sisters, Charmaine, and Raylene; her granddaughter Ksenia, and grandpuppy Maximus. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, John (Cecilia), Bob (Linda), Terry (Darlene), and Tom (Faye); as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Pat, her father Taras, and her brother-in-law Doug.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Gerrie’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: 1 (866) 412-4222, www.albertacancer.ca/memorial. Gerrie’s family sincerely appreciates the efforts of her wonderful doctors and nurses who made her time at the Tom Baker so positive and comfortable.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Gerrie’s family here.

In living memory of Gerrie Biss, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Geraldine's Funeral Service