DUTCHAK
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend, Elsie Dutchak, on Saturday, May 25th, 2024.
Born in Cogealac, Romania on November 6th, 1925, Elsie immigrated to Canada in 1949 with her mother and brother John after the family had been displaced several times during and after the second world war. After spending a brief time in rural communities near Prince Albert SK, Elsie moved to Moose Jaw, SK where she met and married the love of her life, Nicholas Dutchak. Elsie spent the rest of her life living in Moose Jaw where she had a long career as a cook of considerable local renown.
Her main love in life was nurturing and nourishing her family and friends. She also loved tending her sizable garden and preserving its fruits, playing cards and bingo, watching her game shows on tv, shopping, or just hanging at the mall with her friends, and Elsie had many friends. The fact that she was able to connect with people no matter their walk or station in life is a testament to her kind, easy-going and friendly demeanor. Elsie also enjoyed recounting her life experiences and most people very much enjoyed listening to her stories.
Predeceased by her husband, Nicholas; mother, Maria (née: Zahn); father, Rudolph Scholpp; brothers, Bertholdt and John; sisters: Hulda, Ida, Erna, and Sophia; brothers and sisters-in-law: Margaret Scholpp, Lily (Nick) Buzinski, Olga (Harry) Toderash, Rose (Alex) Olynek, Alice Dutchak, and Mary Kozlowski; Elsie leaves to mourn her passing, her daughter, Sharon Dutchak and her husband Dan Pearson; nephews: Alfred (Rose) Wickens, Doug (Louise) Scholpp, Tom (Sally – deceased) Scholpp, and Chris Owens (Tara Parker); and nieces: Sheila (Chuck) Kirby, Susan (Allan) Davey, and Shelley Owens.
The family would like to say a special thank you to Chateau St. Michael’s and the many loving caregivers for their excellent care and friendship. You truly made Elsie’s last residence a home and confirmed that angels really do walk among us. Thank you as well to Doctors J. Vermaak and C. Huang of Moose Jaw, SK for their care and concern, and to Dr. M. Nayeemuddin and his team at the Regina General Hospital who gave Elsie a tremendous gift - a symptom-free normal life for her final ten months.
A Memorial Tea will be held on Saturday, August 24th, 2024 from 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. in the Harvey Room at Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Elsie donated to many charities throughout her life and a donation to any worthy cause would be a wonderful way to honor her memory, if so desired. Because food was a very important part of Elsie’s life and she knew all too well the deprivations that come with being innocently caught up in conflict and war, a donation to World Central Kitchen (www.wck.org) would be especially appropriate.
Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com