Dora Ellis (nee Wierelychuk) was born at her family home in Woking, Alberta on July 14,1934. After she graduated from Spirit River High School she went to work in Edmonton. She saw an opportunity to improve her life by joining the air force in 1956. Fortunately she convinced her younger brother Alex to join up too. She was trained as a dental assistant. Her commitment to the air force gave her opportunity to travel to Europe then back to Canada where she and her husband Bruce were stationed in various locals finally finding their permanent home in Courtenay.
Upon leaving the service Dora worked in the public sector as a dental assistant and her free time was spent teaching yoga. She was proud of her abilities to be active and healthy. Dora’s husband Bruce enjoyed competitive sports which resulted in Dora taking up biking. He was a great coach. From the many years of biking Dora met many people who became her “buddies” and received enough medals to weigh an entire wall down. Dora enjoyed people. Her friends were numerous including both men and women. When Bruce passed away Dora became very independent taking up more biking adventures in various countries including Cuba and more trips to various hot spots like Hawaii, Mexico and Southern Asia as well as the Panama. In her travels she met up with a colleague from the forces, Bob Neale. Together they travelled, biked, danced and partied while they enjoyed each others company.
Dora enjoyed a full and happy life pursuing her passions until her bout with cancer stopped her adventures. Dora died peacefully on November 15, 2015 in her home with her family at her bedside at the age of 81. Dora was one of 5 children. She was predeceased by her parents Nicholas and Fedora Wiereleychuk, her sister Tina, her brother in law Mike, her brother Mike , nephew Danny Deley and her husband Bruce. She leaves behind her sister Olga, her brother Alex, nieces Edie, Donna, Shelly, Judy and nephew Larry as well as numerous grandnieces and nephews and her very close friend Bob Neale.
There will be a Celebration of Life 2-4 pm Friday, November 27th at Piercy’s Funeral home.