Obituary of Dorothy A. Tkacik

Dorothy Alice Tkacik Passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 17, 2012. Dorothy was born February 10, 1926 in Beaver Falls, P.A., the daughter of the late Phil and Anna (Shymoniak) Simon. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Michael Tkacik, Sr. Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Laureen P. Tkacik (with son-in-law Trevor Dowdell) Caloundra, Australia; son Robert M. (with daughter-in-law Susan) Tkacik, Saco, ME.; son Philip J. (with daughter-in-law Mary) Tkacik, Horseheads, N.Y. Her grandchildren are Robert, Katelyn, Jessica and Kerry Tkacik. As well a dedicated mother and beloved Gramie, Dorothy was an exhaustive worker. She served as an office secretary for the Steelworker's Union of Western Pa., a long-time waitress for Joe's Café in Beaver Falls, as well as a successful business owner (Murphil's Cleaner's, B.F.) along with her husband, Bob, for many years. Dorothy's passion was dancing. Her dancing shoes graced many dance floors across the country, though her friends and partners might insist her feet never touched the ground. She made any partner look good on the floor. She loved the music and the excitement of being out with the ones she loved. Dorothy was the perfect hostess, as those who have ever attended one of her parties know well. She could improvise in the kitchen, turning out delicious soups and lasagnas, and always kept a well-stocked bar. She was an active member of the Moose, Eagles, Turner's and, most of all, her beloved Elks Club. She paid frequent, weekly visits to all her clubs. Next to dancing, Dorothy loved driving. She journeyed near and far in her van, enjoying family and friends, up and down the East coast. We'd love to see the van turn into our driveways, even when the visit was a surprise. She toured regularly with Laureen and Trevor visiting Australia and Europe, and had a memorable trip out west with her son Bob several years ago. Our Dorothy still enjoyed music during the last 10 years that she spent in the N.Y. area. She looked forward to musical concerts in the summer. That swing music would always make her smile and get her feet a tapping! The family would like to offer a most heartfelt thank you to Kathleen Wenzel for taking such special care of Dorothy: you'll never know how much it meant to us, to have you there when we couldn't be. Many thanks to the hard working staff of Skill 3, Bethany Manor, Another personal thank you, to the Hourihan family for embracing Dorothy at family gatherings after her move to N.Y. She would have wanted you to know how much it meant to her. The Tkacik family will attend a Mass in remembrance of Dorothy and her husband Bob at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, December 8th, 2012, at Christ the Divine Teacher Church, Beaver Falls, PA. All are welcome to a reception following the service, 5:30 p.m., Beaver Falls Elks Lodge No. 348, 1000 6th Ave., Beaver Falls, PA. For those wishing give a gift in honor of Dorothy, the family suggests donations be made in Dorothy's name to the Alzheimer's Assoc. 435 E. Henrietta Rd., Rochester, N.Y. 14620 ATTN: Development Office, or the Beaver Falls Elk's favorite charities.