Elsie 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
So sorry to read of Elsies passing. She lived a nice long life. I worked ( while going to school) with Elsie at the co op cafeteria for quite a while and she was such a wonderful lady, always kidding me and sharing laughs.she was a hard worker and I looked up to her. Condolences to her family
Thank you for your kind words, they are a comfort to us.
I really enjoyed all the stories i got told from auntie sue and loved them all my wishes for peace in your heart and sorry for the loss everyone has had
Thank you for your kind words, I am so glad her memory is being kept alive through all of her wonderful stories.
Aunt Elsie What a beautiful, thoughtful, kindhearted and
Strong woman.
Remembered with lots of love And always sharing her kindness and delicious cooking
Thanks Shelley, the outpouring of love for her is a comfort to us.
My condolences to your family on the passing of Elsie. I have fond memories of her , as I grew up on South Hill, but remember her the most at the Bingo Hall. I worked a lot of Bingo’s. Her and Mrs. Zimboski ,who I knew through my Mom , and another lady would come to the hall they would a lot to times be be late for the first game and be in a bit of a panic for their cards. Your Mom was always so sweet.
Yes, she certainly loved bingo! Thank you for sharing this memory and your kind words.
So sorry for the loss of your mother
Thanks, Kendra
My condolences on the passing of your mom, Elsie. Your dad and my mother were cousins (Mary Duchak Davies). I had the honor of meeting Elsie while visiting with Olga in Moose Jaw. She was a lovely person.
Thank you for your kind words
Sharon – I loved to read that your mom kept busy and lived a long life. She never shied away from a good days work. I remember her toiling away in her garden (printed dress and an apron) or relaxing in her chair along the back of her house.
Sending condolences to you
Thank you. She sure did have a massive garden. Worked at her job all day then came home and spent hours tending to her garden – I don’t know how she did it! But she did.