Dorothy Edith Lisicich

Obituary Dorothy Edith (Nykoruk) Lisicich Dorothy Edith (Nykoruk) Lisicich passed away peacefully at age 87 at home with family on December 25, 2011. Dorothy was born to Ukrainian immigrants James and Edith Nykoruk on September 30, 1924. She was a proud South Tacoma resident and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1942. During her high school years Dorothy worked part-time as an usherette at the Roxy Theater in downtown Tacoma. After graduation she briefly worked at the Tacoma Naval Shipyard. Dorothy's father, Jim, played the fiddle at local parties and for family. It was through him that Dorothy developed her love of music and dance from an early age, being influenced by the robust network of immigrants living in South Tacoma. Starting in her teen years, Dorothy and her friends attended many dances in and around Tacoma. It was at a dance that she met Peter Lisicich, her one true love. They were married in 1943 and spent 56 wonderful years together. They first settled in Old Tacoma on North 28th Street. In 1951 they built their first house and raised their children, Joe and Priscilla, on North 22nd Street. After her marriage to Peter she became an active member of the Slavonian American Benevolent Society, Ladies Lodge(SABS). During her membership years, Dorothy served as President of the SABS and co-chaired the 75th Centennial with George Cuculich that placed the Slavonian Hall on the National Historic Register of the Department of the Interior. She was active in the numerous events of the Lodge, including helping to operate the Croatian Pastry shop, chairing fund-raising fashion shows, and advocating for the development of the cultural legacy of the Croatian community. In 1959 Dorothy attended Bates Vocational School and achieved a certificate in cosmetology. She was immediately employed by Jim Crowley at "Jimmie's House of Beauty". Ultimately, Dorothy started and operated her own hair salon in her home so she could be close to her family. She successfully ran her hair styling business for 16 years, and served many fabulous patrons. In his early adult life Peter Lisicich was a commercial fisherman, gone for months at a time. And that meant that Dorothy carried the full responsibility of maintaining the family and home. Dorothy and some other fishermen's wives, mainly tied to the SABS Lodge, formed a "sewing club" that originated as a way for the women to socialize as they tended to the men's clothing that needed repair. But the sewing club became more than a place to darn socks and drink coffee. It provided an atmosphere where the women could find mutual support and comfort to combat the fears and isolation that were part of being a fisherman's wife. The sewing club members have met regularly for over 69 years to share laughter, tears and to support each other no matter what. The family is deeply appreciative of the deep and unwavering friendship of "The Sewing Club"! Dorothy lived a spiritual life. As a child, Dorothy began learning about Christianity by participating in activities and services sponsored by the Salvation Army in South Tacoma. In 1942, as a young adult, Dorothy converted to Catholicism and joined St. Patrick's Catholic Church, where she remained a member and volunteer. Dorothy also believed that education should be highly valued, and encouraged her children and other family members to continue to learn throughout their lives. Among other efforts, Dorothy volunteered as a reading tutor for second graders at Pt. Defiance Elementary School, an activity she truly enjoyed. A woman of amazing energy and interest, Dorothy made time for skiing and golfing with family and friends. She especially enjoyed the years she skied with a wonderful group of women who would ski together each winter. Dorothy also loved to travel. She was an energetic and gutsy travel companion who was game for adventures of almost any kind. Whether driving to California in the 1950s and 60s, or flying around the world with Pete and their friends, Dorothy enjoyed these excursions and made them memorable for others. She was preceded in death by her husband Peter Lisicich, father and mother James and Edith Nykoruk, and brother Joseph Nykoruk. Dorothy leaves behind her son Joseph A. (Elizabeth) Lisicich, and daughter Priscilla A. Lisicich (David Haapala), and many relatives and friends. The family wishes to thank all the caring staff from MultiCare Home Health and Hospice, who came to the home and made Dorothy's final months comfortable and as joyful as possible. Special appreciation goes to Mary Muthemba and Erica Wohlers, who provided Dorothy with sensitive and compassionate daily care and supported Dorothy's immediate family as her health deteriorated. A rosary will be said Thursday, December 29th at 7 pm at Gaffney Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place on Friday, December 30, 2011 at St. Patrick's Church, 11 AM, North 12th & J St. Online condolences may be left at Gaffney Funeral Home via their website at www.GaffneyCares.com. Donations in Dorothy's name may be made to the Tacoma/Pierce County Humane Society or to Hospice at MultiCare.