ORTYNSKI, Dolores Antoinette

October 21, 1930 — May 14, 2025

It is with great love and admiration that we announce the loss of Dolores (née Schille) Ortynski, who passed away on May 14, 2025, at the age of 94.

Dolores was born on October 21, 1930, in Scott, Saskatchewan.  She was raised by her loving parents, Martha (née Hungle) and Melford Schille, on the family farm in Scott.

After graduating from high school, Dolores moved to Saskatoon, where she enrolled at St. Paul’s School of Nursing.  She graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1952.  It was at a university dance that she met the love of her life, Ed Ortynski.  They were engaged and married in 1953.

Dolores and Ed eventually settled in Wilkie, Saskatchewan, where they raised their five children.  She worked part-time at both the Wilkie Union Hospital and the Wilkie Centennial Nursing Home.  She also served as an EMT, driven by a desire to give back to her community.  Together, Ed and Dolores owned and operated Ortynski Pharmacy.  In 1984, Dolores joined the pharmacy full-time, working alongside Ed until their retirement.

In 1997, they made their final move to Kelowna, where Ed still resides.

Dolores was a devoted member of the Catholic Church, involved in the Catholic Women’s League, Lay Formation, and many other ministries.  Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life.

She had many passions – spending summers fishing, camping, and RVing – spending winters in Arizona with family and friends.  She loved to travel and explore the United States, Europe, and most memorably, the Holy Land in Israel.

But above all, we cannot forget her favourite pastime, playing cards.  Bridge, cribbage, kaiser, rummy—she played them all, often late into the night with anyone willing to stay up and join her.

Her deepest love, however, was reserved for her family.  She cherished her role as wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend.  Her love was constant and unconditional.  And her greatest companion in life, Ed, was by her side until the very end.

Dolores leaves behind her beloved husband of 71 years, Edward; her children Duane (Edith), Meldan (Janice), Genelle, Michael (Phyllis), David (Lorna); 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; sister Marcy; brothers Larry (Julie) and Edwin (Lynn); and sister-in-law Marge.

She is predeceased by her son Darryl (1958), grandsons Jason and Chad, and brothers Albert and Romy.

Dolores lived a life of deep faith, quiet strength, and unwavering love.  Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her – through her kindness, her unmistakable laugh, and her fierce devotion to family.  Dode was most in her element with a house full of people, cooking in the kitchen, and feeding everyone with love and generosity.  Those who knew her, knew her cooking  –  and no one ever left the Ortynski house hungry.

Though we will miss her dearly, we take comfort in knowing she is at peace, and that her spirit will live on in every story shared, every card played, every warm meal gathered around, and every loving memory held within our hearts.

Prayers will be held on TUESDAY, May 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM, located at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2547 Hebert Rd, West Kelowna, BC.

A Mass of Christian Burial on WEDNESDAY, May 21, 2025, at 10:30 AM, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, with Father Wayne Pfliger presiding. 

The funeral will be Livestreamed – If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view within 3-5 days.

An interment will take place at a later date at the Wilkie Cemetery in Saskatchewan.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in Dolores’ honour.