Tribute

Melita passed away peacefully into the presence of her Saviour on December 24th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.  Melita was born in 1933 in Elbow, Saskatchewan, the middle of five siblings, and the first of her immigrant family to be born in Canada. She grew up grateful to be in Canada, a concept instilled by her parents and carried throughout her life.

Melita was an excellent student and excelled at school. In her early teens her family moved from Saskatchewan to Bradner. Alas, instead of continuing her education after the move, she was sent to Vancouver to work as a maid for wealthy families in the Shaughnessy area. One of those families encouraged her to obtain her GED, which she did. She was grateful for that encouragement and the additional training was helpful throughout her life. She went on from domestic work, and her first “real job” was working at the Stock Exchange.

In April 1956 Melita married Walter John Dyck and moved to Chilliwack where they would spend the next 65 years! Melita worked at the CIBC as they started their family.

Melita was an adept seamstress and used this skill to earn additional family income, sewing lovely winter coats, suits and dresses for local clients. She also sewed very detailed outfits for her growing family, a creative activity she enjoyed.  When Walter decided to start his own trucking company, Melita became a partner along with Walter’s friend Wally. She was integral to the business, managing the office while raising her children and any extra things Dad would start. She said it kept her on her toes.

After the business was sold, Melita enjoyed travels with Walter to Vancouver Island, up the Fraser Canyon or just around the lower mainland. She always enjoyed the beauty of the Fraser Valley, especially the views of Mount Cheam from their farm.  During her early years in Chilliwack Melita canvassed door to door for the Cancer Society. She taught Sunday school as part of a church outreach near Hope. With Walter she supported Transport for Christ and other charitable organizations. For many years she was the treasurer for the Women’s ministry at the Chilliwack Alliance. After her children were gone, to keep busy, mom found part time jobs where she enjoyed meeting a variety of people. She especially enjoyed working in the gift shop at Bridal Falls, learning about geology as she did so. Later in life Melita joined Chilliwack Hospice and she enjoyed the opportunity of sitting with palliative patients. She truly enjoyed learning new things.

Mom loved her seven grandchildren, welcomed their spouses, and enjoyed meeting and holding her 14 great-grandchildren, each one was precious to her. Melita had many nieces and nephews, also much loved and many of whom she had a special, almost maternal, relationship with. There were often annual gatherings with cousins and friends from her youth, many of whom have pre-deceased her.  Melita and Walter enjoyed a variety of music and frequented classical concerts in Chilliwack and Abbotsford. Occasionally going into Vancouver for special musicians.

Melita is survived by daughters, Julia (Doug) and Susan (Jon). Daughter-in-law Marilyn, Grandchildren, Charlene (Nathan), Karen (Andrew), Megan (Phil), Kevin (Sarah), Kate, Alex (Alexandra), Sarah. And 14 great grandchildren.  Melita is predeceased by her loving husband Walter, her son Alan, siblings Agnes, Henry, Rita, and Art.

Thank You to those of you who called and visited Melita, and sent her cards in her final days and to the gracious and caring staff at Morgan Place (where Mom was known to have the best hugs and a great smile), Primrose Garden and Fraser Health.

Melita supported many causes and Mennonite Central Committee was a priority for their work with local organizations, worldwide. If you are inclined, donate to Mennonite Central Committee: https://mcc.org/about/canada or to a charity of choice.