Phyllis Marlene (Ziegler) Hanchar

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Phyllis Marlene Hanchar on May 3, 2025. Phyllis fought hard through this journey with her family by her side.

Phyllis was born in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan March 28, 1944 and was raised on a farm near Vidora, Saskatchewan. She began her work life at the age of 14 as the cook at the Gilchrist Ranch. The story told was that on her first day at work she had breakfast ready and bread baking. She also worked as a nurse’s aid at the Maple Creek Hospital. Phyllis then went to Calgary to become a hair stylist, returning back to Maple Creek to work in a salon.  

She met her future husband, Don Hanchar at a dance where he was playing in the band. Don and Phyllis were married on October 8, 1965 and moved to the Hanchar farm 12 miles west of Maple Creek where Don still resides.

Phyllis and Don enjoyed dancing together. People often commented that her feet never touched the ground, and her gorgeous smile that lit up the room.

She spent the majority of her life enjoying the hard work on the farm alongside her husband. She loved cooking, baking, gardening, canning and had unstoppable energy! She was always baking for others and knew everyone’s favorite dish so she could have it prepared for their visit.

Later when her children were older, she completed her GED and found her true calling as a Homecare Aid. Phyllis was happiest when she was caring for others and dearly loved her clients and coworkers.

Phyllis always had a deep sense of style and loved to look her best. Her shoe and clothing collection was remarkable. She was known for being one of the best dressed home care workers. She was often seen riding her bike around town dressed to the nines – a memory cherished by many in the community.

Phyllis is survived by her loving husband Donald Hanchar and her three children: Dawn Marie (Tim) Wilk, Bruce Hanchar and Jennifer (Steve) O’Connor. She will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren Justin Wilk, Jamie (Kayla) Wilk, Caitlyn O’Connor, Carlie O’Connor and great grandchildren Knoxx and Chett Wilk. 

She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings; Linda Reimer, Karen (Dewain) Breault, Shirley (Gary) Robinson, Jack (Cindy) Ziegler and numerous nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was predeceased by her father George, mother Fern, sister Joyce Huery and brother in laws Fred Huery and Allan Reimer.

The family would like to extend thanks to the staff at the care homes where she resided for the compassionate care she received. Many thanks to the friends and relatives that visited and showed support for her during this difficult time.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Phyllis Marlene (Ziegler) Hanchar, please visit our floral store.