September 20, 1936 – January 6, 2025

It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of our sweet little Mom, Dolly, at 88 years of age. She left us peacefully in the early hours of January 6, 2025, to be with our dad, her loving husband, Tom and all our loved ones gone before her in heaven. 

Mom was born in Timmins, Ontario, the third child to Nick and Joyce Pochay. She was such a sweet little thing she was like a doll, which earned her the nickname “Dolly,” for her entire life. She had an older sister, Pat, and brother, Barry, and when Mom was two years old, younger brother Danny came along. 

Her dad was an electrician for the mines, which brought them from Ontario to Wells, and then Remac (Reeves McDonald mine). It was in Remac where Mom and Dad met. It was love at first sight, and on November 2, 1953, they were married. 

They left briefly for Dad’s hometown of Estevan, S.K., where Julie was born but soon returned to Remac for work. Their family grew with the births of Bonnie and Lisa. Mom and Dad made lifelong friends in the mining community. One of Mom’s friends, Anne MacKave, remains in touch to this day. 

The community was close-knit, with young married couples supporting each other. Life was simple but fulfilling. 

Mom kept a tidy, clean house, ensured we had neat clothes and carefully planned meals. Every two weeks, when Dad was paid, they’d drive to Trail for groceries. Sometimes we got to attend a matinee while they shopped. Mom was incredibly skilled at budgeting, stretching every dollar, and saving enough for summer holidays to visit family in Kamloops or Saskatchewan, and in 1962, Mom and Dad even attended the Seattle World’s Fair and, in later years, a memorable trip to the Hawaiian Islands. 

In 1966, the family moved to Salmo until 1974 when they relocated to Kamloops briefly then to Powell River for a new job. By 1977, they settled back in Kamloops, where Dad worked at Highland Valley Copper, and Mom worked in retail at Saveco and The Bay. Mom and Dad loved their Friday night casino outings and bus tours. 

Bingo nights with her sister Pat were another favorite activity. She loved music and was an enthusiastic dancer. She couldn’t let you sit still when a good tune was playing. She loved fishing, knitting, crocheting, a good barbeque steak, occasional rum and Coke and every once in a while, she’d puff and blow on a cigarette out on the deck. Mom had spunk and you didn’t have to wonder what was on her mind because she was quite happy to tell you. 

Losing Dad in 2011, after 57 years of marriage, was devastating for Mom. Though she had the support of her family and her sister Pat, the loneliness was difficult. Over time, the loss planted the seeds of dementia. Despite these challenges, Mom continued to find joy in her family and traditions. In 2017, she went on an Alaskan cruise with her lifelong friend Anne. 

By 2019, signs of Alzheimer’s made it hard for Mom to live alone. She moved into assisted living at Chartwell, where she enjoyed her new apartment, activities, and meals. 

However, when COVID-19 restrictions began in 2020, her condition advanced, like it did for many others. The isolation was confusing and difficult for her. After a fall in April 2020, her daughter Bonnie took her home to care for her for five months. They had a wonderful time together, but safety concerns arose when Mom began wandering at night. 

In October 2020, she moved to Ridgeview Lodge, which became her home until her passing. She left us quietly in the early hours of January 6 with her beloved Bonnie by her side. The family deeply appreciates the kind and loving caregivers there, especially Liberty, who shared a special bond with Mom and Grand-Daughter Sierra’s weekly music therapy visits. 

Mom is predeceased by her loving husband, Tom (May 30, 2011); her brother Danny Pochay January 6, 2021, and her treasured only grandson, Colton Reeb (September 22, 2024). 

She is survived by her daughters Julie Kutschker, Lisa Osaduik, and Bonnie Gladu (Rick); her sister Patricia Johnston; her brother Barry Pochay (Jesse); her grandchildren Sierra Gladu, Kristen Melnyk, Hayley Lane, Angela Sisco, and Melissa Peitzsche; and many great-grandchildren. 

We find comfort in imagining Mom’s joy at reuniting with Dad, Colton, her parents, and her brother Danny, who passed on the same day, 4 years earlier. 

We want to thank Lawrence, Amanda, and all the wonderful people at Kamloops Funeral Home for providing compassionate and comfortable care for our family during this difficult time. Their kindness has meant so much to us.  

Dolly’s love, warmth, and traditions will live on in all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished. 

Please join us to honor Dolly on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Kamloops Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery. A viewing will be held previous to the service from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Canadian Alzheimer’s Association.

You may offer a message of condolence at Kamloops Funeral Home for the Osaduik family.

• Date : 2025-01-06
• Location : Kamloops