Obituary of Dora Spilchen

SPILCHEN - Mrs. Dora Spilchen, resident of Yorkton, passed away on Monday, September 4, 2006 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. She was 87 years of age. Dora Spilchen was born on May 4, 1919 on the family farm in the Buchanan district of Saskatchewan; the youngest of the girls born to Ukrainian pioneers Nickola and Ann (nee Tzupa) Popowich. She attended the Waslowetz School four miles from home. Dora worked out for a time before her marriage to Fred Spilchen on October 31, 1944 at St. Mary's Church in Yorkton. The couple farmed in the Whitesand district until 1949, when they moved to the Orcadia district, where they farmed until 1988, then retiring into Yorkton. Following the death of Fred in March of 1993, Dora continued to care for herself and maintain her independence. In May of 2000 she suffered a stroke which limited her mobility, and in January of 2003 became a resident of the Senior's Units on Bradbrooke Drive. Dora suffered a massive stoke in the middle of August and had been hospitalized since that time. 'Little Dora', as she was affectionately know as, was a special lady. She was a hard working, kind, unassuming individual who always put others first before herself. She cherished her family, especially the grand and great grandkids. She attended church faithfully when able and very much appreciated the communion she received in her home. She grew a large garden which produced a bountiful harvest. Her handiwork included knitting, sewing and embroidery. She enjoyed listening to the radio and watching TV, especially the afternoon soap opera's and playing TV bingo. She enjoyed singing (especially You Are My Sunshine) with her sister-in-law Lorette when her brother-in-law Mike played the guitar. She greatly enjoyed the company of Marg at the Senior's units, who would visit Dora for a card game, sometimes many times a day. Predeceased by her husband Fred, sons Wayne in 2000 and David in 2004; sisters: Nellie Popowich, Mary Pawliw, Polly Diakow, Pauline Shlahetka, Katie Stefanyshyn and Maggie Diakow; brothers: John, Mike, Fred and Bill Popowich; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Adeline (Nick) Yanko of Yorkton, Ed (Maxine) of Grande Prairie, Dennis of Yorkton, Bobby of Yorkton and Debbie (Barry) Coles of Yorkton; daughter-in-law: Sandy Spilchen in BC; grandchildren: Darcy (Deedee) Spilchen, Jackie (Darren) Degelman, David (Heather) Yanko; Corrie (Jody) Spilchen, Dale (Vanessa) Spilchen; Channelle Suecroft, Deni (Scott) Greaves, Jessica Suecroft (Roba), Brent (Candice) Suecroft; Ashley, Dionne and Tyler Spilchen; Tamara (Brennan) Coles, and Jesse Coles; great grandchildren: Eric Spilchen, Damien, Seneca & Cyrus Spilchen, Ty Cody Spilchen, and Pawaasin and Sta-ky-ya Suecroft. Prayers were held on Thursday, September 7, 2006 from St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton. The Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Friday, September 8, 2006 from St. Mary's Church with Rev. Father Methodius Kushko C.Ss.R. as celebrant. Cantors were Ed Pindus and Colette Karapita, with assistance of members from St. Mary's Choir. The crossbearer was Jackie Degelman, the epistle-reader was Tamara Coles. The interment took place in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Darcy and Corrie Spilchen, Barry & Jesse Coles, and Nick and David Yanko serving as the casketbearers. Doreen Clark gave the eulogy at the memorial luncheon following the funeral. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Friday, September 8th, 2006 11:00am, St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery