On Thursday, April 25, 2024, Mrs. Phoebe Mabel Lilian Wessel, late of Prince Albert, SK, passed peacefully into the care of her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ at Rose Garden Hospice with family by her side at the age of 102-1/3 years young.

Phoebe was born on her family’s farm in Winton District on December 17, 1921. With her mother passing away within six weeks of her birth she was taken to stay with her aunt Lizzie and uncle Dan Ellison in Birch Hills. Her father remarried when she was about 3-1/2 years old and she went to live with her father and step-mother a couple of years later. Her parents adopted a little girl, Violet, who would grow up to be a companion and sister to Phoebe. Phoebe attended preschool at the Birch Hills Orange Hall. She attended Buttlers School for grade 1 to 10.

She attended the Winton Pentecostal church and played Hawaiian guitar and violin. She attended Bethel Bible Institute in Saskatoon. (Her father sold a load of wheat to buy her an accordion). During the summers, she and her sister Violet conducted Daily Vacation Bible School in several nearby towns. Phoebe then attended Western Bible College in Winnipeg, MB with her sister Violet. From the fall of 1942 to the fall of 1943 Phoebe and Violet took on the deaconess position in Garrick and White Fox.

Phoebe grew up on the farm in Winton area where she met Fred Wessel and became engaged to him in September, 1942. They were married March 1, 1943 at the home farm on a cold bright day. They had two days together, and then Fred returned to army training in Sardis, BC. Phoebe then returned to Garrick. In December 1943 Phoebe travelled to Hamilton, ON to be with Fred before he was sent overseas. While she was in Hamilton, she worked at a steel mill and a spinning mill. She returned to Prince Albert in January 1945 to attend Business College and she stayed with her sister Violet. She and Violet conducted Bible Clubs in various homes. She lived with her parents who had moved into Prince Albert until Fred was discharged from the army in 1946. Once he returned, they lived in Tisdale where Fred took employment. This is where David and Lois were born. They moved to Melfort for a couple of years and then moved into Prince Albert, where Karen and Les were born. During that time they were foster parents of 12 welfare babies from 1965 to 1971. Unfortunately, also during this time they lost touch with Violet.

Phoebe was a longstanding member of the Evangelistic Center and Crossroads Church. Over the years she played many roles. These included Women’s Ministries president and vice president, pianist/organist, Sunday school teacher, and youth leader. She enjoyed her time as telephone counselor for “Its A New Day.” Some of her hobbies included playing the Hawaiian guitar, violin, accordion, organ and piano, as well as reading, sewing, typing and quilting. She loved to watch birds and enjoyed being out among the flowers and trees. She loved to go on family picnics. She babysat many other babies and children when she was younger and rejoiced in having grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Phoebe is survived by her son DAVID (Janis) of Dryden, ON, their children Richard (Karen) of Holland Landing, ON, Christopher (Angie) of Thunder Bay, ON, Stephen (Brenda) of Dryden, ON, and Sonia of Dryden, ON; daughter LOIS (Doug) Hall of Cardston, AB, their sons Vaughn (Tara) of Taber, AB and Darren (Kari) of Coutts, AB; daughter KAREN (Ed) Esopenko of Prince Albert, their sons Erron (Amanda) of Englefeld, and Ryan (Laurie Johnson) of Prince Albert; and LES (Donna) of Warman, their son Matthew (Christa) of Warman; 13 great-grandchildren: Scott, Ellen, Carmen, Taira, Kiirstyn, Kenny, Anna, Amryn, Austin, Aurora, Grayson, Jordan, and Esther, as well as many nieces and nephews and many friends.

Phoebe was predeceased by her parents, Richard and Phoebe Ellison and stepmother Hazel Ellison, adopted sister Violet and husband Fred. Phoebe was the last remaining member of her and Fred’s families.

Phoebe’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Parkland Ambulance, Victoria Hospital ER and Level 5, and the Rose Garden Hospice for the wonderful care and to her many neighbours and friends at Squires Court where Phoebe lived independently until less than a week before her passing.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Friday May 3, 2024 at 2:00 PM in Crossroads Church, 1510 Olive Diefenbaker Drive, Prince Albert, Sask. with Rev. Ches. Jacobs officiating. In lieu of tributes memorial donations may be made to Crossroads Church and/or Rose Garden Hospice. Interment will follow the service in Winton Cemetery, near Brancepeth.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of MacKenzie Funeral Home, Prince Albert,  Brian & Bev Stobbs, Mark Gyoerick, Jordyn Jacobson, Mel Curle 306-763-8488).

• Date : 2024-04-29
• Location : Prince Albert, SK