November 4, 1927 - November 25, 2020
Born November 4, 1927, to John J. and Elizabeth W. (nee Soloveoff) Rilkoff, on a farm near Verigin SK (with older brother Timothy and younger sister Annie), mom delighted in the idyllic rural setting of her childhood, sharing one yard with her dad's two older brothers' families, and her grandparents - 11 Rilkoff cousins grew up like siblings, a cherished bond.
The Great Depression built character; throughout her life, mom exemplified the virtues of hard work, thriftiness, resourcefulness, cooperation and hospitality. Learning homemaking, farming and gardening skills from her capable elders, mom also excelled at the one-room Linden Valley country school, skipping grades to complete most of grade nine by age 13.
Moving to Grand Forks, BC in 1942, the Rilkoffs worked for local farmers, Markell and Tjebbes. Mom also worked in Okanagan orchards, where she met our dad, Eli Popoff, and they were married March 25, 1945.
They built a two-room "starter home" in Almond Gardens, where son Jim was born in 1946. Daughter Elaine was born in 1947 and daughter Natasha in 1954, by which time folks had purchased an old 10-acre farmstead east of Vienna Woods and from day one, mom grew a giant garden, preserving all the food to last through winter. Folks soon planted an acre of orchard and grew potatoes and hay on the remaining acreage.
Our 1890s house, with its dormered attic windows and double verandas, looked big, but only had 440 sq. feet in four rooms, with a wood cook stove and a pot belly heater (and no fridge!). That didn't stop mom from cooking up a storm, right up to perfect chiffon cakes and lemon meringue pies!
The yard was full of horse-drawn farm equipment and the huge, 1920s barn housed two work horses, two milk cows, with a few dozen chickens - later, goats as well. Wintertime, dad was often away to the Kootenays for a week at a time, organizing the USCC Union of Youth and its annual Festivals, and mom, at the ripe old age of 21, looked after two toddlers, the farm and animals, with no phone, vehicle or running water.
She even managed to supplement the household income, selling dairy products and farm produce, and working out part-time for other farmers. Later, she was an Assistant Dry Goods Mgr. at the Sunshine Valley Co-op, and for many years headed a trio of expert cooks, preparing traditional Doukhobor dishes at several local restaurants.
Mom's legendary culinary skills were assets at home as well, hosting countless relatives, friends, and guests from over 30 countries - including writers, youth groups, peace activists and even ambassadors.
With her great voice, mom often entertained us with Russian folksongs and 40s and 50s hit parade tunes, singing as she worked. Mom even found time for recreation, loved to dance and act in skits and plays. A natural athlete, she never lost a footrace, and enjoyed playing softball with a local women's league.
Mom always exuded boundless energy; her loving warmth, can-do optimism, and up-beat humour permeated her family and all those she encountered. She acquired a close circle of women friends in our neighbourhood; their children became our friends, and our big yard, complete with huge trees and a tree house, became the central gathering place, with mom feeding the whole gang. It was a beautiful 1950s childhood, and we treasure the memories.
Later, mom taught classes in Doukhobor cooking and traditional handicrafts at Selkirk College. She served on the Justice Council, was a guest speaker at church gatherings and multicultural events, taught Sunday School classes, and was a charter member of the USCC Ladies Organization, serving terms as Chairperson. In 1980, mom was one of the first two women appointed to the USCC Executive Committee. Later, she was organizer and 20-year Chairperson of the volunteer USCC Bread Group in Grand Forks, baking countless wholesome loaves and donating thousands of dollars to local charities.
Folks were long-time members of the USCC Friendship Choir, which produced the Dedication LP, featuring original compositions by mom; they also sang in other choirs, performing at Expo 86 in Vancouver.
In 1978, they were part of a Canadian Council of Christians and Jews Ecumenical Tour to London, Rome and Jerusalem; among many highlights - being hosted by Prince Phillip at Windsor Castle. When the USCC began to annually recognize members who'd made a special input, folks were among the first to be so honoured.
In 2014, Mayor Brian Taylor and the Grand Forks City Council awarded the Freedom of the City to mom and dad for their lifetime contribution to the community.
After 69 years of marriage, dad died in 2014, and mom lived independently in her house until her 91st birthday, soon after moving to Hardy View Lodge, where she recently celebrated her 93rd. She attributed her longevity to her life-long vegetarianism and active lifestyle. After a couple of days in palliative care, mom died peacefully on November 25, 2020, in the presence of family.
Mom was predeceased by her parents, siblings, and husband Eli. She was utterly devoted to her family, had a special relationship with each one in it, and will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all: son Jim (Lillian) - their daughter Manya (Mark) Voykin, and their sons Matthew and Johnny (Matic); by daughter Elaine (Alfred) Podovinikoff - their son Stephen and his three children, Sasha, Maxx and Roman; their son Daniel (Holly) and their four children, Anton, Dyanna, Vika and Sveta; and their daughter Sarah and her daughters Oksana and Sophia Stoochnoff; as well as her partner Kevin Sawyer and his children Jack and Anna; by daughter Natasha (Murray) Knox - her son, Alex Horkoff, and her daughter Katya (Lance) Hibak and their daughters Tatyana and Zoey; as well as Murray's children, Chris and Kim. She'll also be missed and fondly remembered by many relatives and friends. May she enjoy peace and eternal consciousness in God's heavenly Kingdom. Her shining spirit will live on in our hearts forever.
A family-based service has taken place, interment at Sion Cemetery; Grand Forks Funeral Home in care of arrangements. Memorial donations to ISKRA are gratefully accepted at the USCC.
Thank you
With the recent passing of our dear mother and matriarch of our family, Dorothy Popoff, we would like to sincerely thank the Hardy View Lodge staff and Dr. Mark for their conscientious care; the Baker family and staff at the Grand Forks Funeral Home for their very special efforts with arrangements; USCC Executive Director, J.J. Verigin, for his kind words at the burial service; all those who were able to participate in the Covid-restricted viewing and at the burial service; the gravediggers at the Sion Cemetery; and all of mom's and our dear relatives, neighbours and friends who've shown such an outpouring of support. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. May God bless you all!
Sincerely, Jim, Elaine and Natasha & families