Maria Dora Merrick

M. Dora Merrick, 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 3, 2009 in Pocatello at a local care facility.

Theodora “Dora” Kondiak was born in Zmijowiska, Ukraine. She grew up working on the family farm, near the Ukraine " Poland border. Her family included her mother, Katarzyna Dudek; father, Nicholas Kondiak; three sisters and one brother.

When Dora was in her early teens, she and her siblings were taken to different work locations by the German Military. Dora went to Austria, where she worked for three and a half years for an Austrian family that supplied food for the German Army. The conditions were very harsh and the experiences she endured were something she never wanted to discuss.

After the Allies liberated Europe, Dora entered a Polish refugee or Displaced Persons Camp. She met and married an American soldier, Keith Leon Merrick. They were married in the Kollegienkirche Roman Catholic Church in the City of Salzburg, Austria, the same church that was used in the movie The Sound of Music.

Dad remained in the Army for as long as possible, re-enlisting to stay with his wife and daughter, Servia (Shari) who arrived July 10, 1946. When Dad's military tour was over, he returned home to Malad City, ID and awaited the arrival of Dora and Servie from Europe.

The family settled in Malad City. On September 4, 1948 Kathy was born. The following year, after moving to Pocatello in search of more secure employment, Leo was born December 20th. The youngest son Lewis Lynn, joined the family on September 17th 1955. Dora and Keith lived in Pocatello for more than 50 years.

Mom loved to bake; her pies, homemade breads and strudels were something that were fought over! She worked tirelessly in her garden and flowers were her delight and joy! Dora's generosity at sharing her bounty was well known. She was a very talented quilt maker; each of her grandchildren received one as an expression of her love. Her true feelings showed in everything she did for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She never went shopping without “something” for one of her babies.

Around 2004 they sold their property to a developer. Our father made it his decision to move back to his hometown of Malad. At the age of 80, it was a traumatic change for Dora. She relied heavily on her deep faith in God to see her through. They enjoyed a new home, orchards, gardening and lots of flowers. Sitting on their deck in the evenings, looking over the Malad valley, gave Dad great satisfaction. Mom was surprised and happy to make new friends. People that visited on a regular basis and who honestly enjoyed their time with her.

Keith (Dad) passed away on March 30, 2009, so mom moved to Pocatello to be closer to family.

She was preceded in death by; her husband, Keith of 62 years; her youngest child, Lynn; and probably her entire family in Europe, who she was never able to contact or locate despite many attempts after the war.

She is survived by; two daughters, Servia “Shari” (Darrell) Henderson, Pocatello, Kathy (Robert) Pleskin, Roy, UT; one son, Leo (Nancy) Merrick, Blackfoot; 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Mom was a “Babe Magnet,” she loved the little children!

We would like to extend our appreciation to Hospice Alliance. Every single one of you helped Dad and Mom, to the best of your abilities and it was recognized and embraced. Dad would say, “Let's get back to work,” and Mom, well it would be a joyful story about one of her angels.