Obituary of Mabel Pitchko

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mabel Pitchko, resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, on Tuesday October 4, 2022, at the age of 97 years.  A Celebration of Life for Mabel will be held at a later date.

Mabel Edith Pitchko

December 27, 1924 ~ October 4, 2022

Mabel was born in Waldheim, Alberta to parents Hulda and George Griffiths, the third of four children.  When she was young, the family moved to Demmit, Alberta for her father to work for the railroad as Demmit was the end of the rail lines.  Mabel and her siblings attended Ray Lake School in Demmit where she made lifelong friends.  She won a Shirley Temple doll for perfect attendance.

When school was over, she moved to Pouce Coupe, British Columbia and worked for Der Singh at his restaurant where she met her first husband.  He was an American soldier working on the Alaska Highway.  They were married in Pouce Coupe, and he was deployed soon after.  When the war was over, she joined him in California where her daughter was born.  When her daughter was 18 months old, there was an earthquake and she promptly returned to Canada.  If you can’t trust the ground, what can you trust!!  Her husband was coming to get her when sadly he died.  Mabel returned to work in Pouce Coupe at the dry cleaners.  She subsequently met and married Roman Pitchko in 1953.  She continued to work until 1965 at her favorite position in ladies wear at The Bay.

Mabel was very social and loved competition.  She excelled at bowling.  Her highest score was 343!  When she quit bowling, she moved on to golfing.  She and her friend Nancy practically lived at the golf course.  They golfed rain or shine for many years until Nancy sadly passed away.  When she was 86, she was on the team that won 1^st place in the Western Canada Floor Curling Championship.  Mabel also played bingo as often as she could.

Knitting, crochet and cross stitch filled her time in the winter.  She did beautiful work, donating afghans to the hospital auxiliary and cross-stitching pictures and Christmas stockings for family.  Not to mention, she was an amazing cook! There was nothing better than getting invited to dinner at Mabel’s house.

Mabel was predeceased by her husband Roman Pitchko; parents, Hulda and George Griffiths; sisters Ruth (Harry) Logan, Hazel (George) Archbold and her brother Willard Griffiths.

Mabel is lovingly remembered by her daughter Marilyn Roth; grandchildren Shane (Kelly) Roth, Brandi (Paul) Roth, Tanna (Brent) McWillis; great grandchildren Connor, Katy and Kristian Roth, Makenna and Monaghan McWillis; sister in-law Ruth Griffiths; as well as many extended family and friends.

Mabel lived for family and spent as much time with them as possible, whether it was camping, berry picking, exploring and enjoying holidays.  She was especially close to her nephew Gary Griffiths, his wife Rose and their family.

Mabel’s 97 years were well lived.  A Celebration of Life for Mabel will be held at a later date.

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium