Vera “Dolly” Marchewa

Vera “Dolly” Marchewa (née McMurphy) was born on October 17, 1944, to Jack and Adele McMurphy and raised in Carcross, Yukon. Dolly was the younger sister of big brother Leonard (“Sonny”) and sisters Millie and Margaret and older sister to Tina, who always reminded her that Dolly was the older sister! She also grew up with the love and support of extended family in the community which she stayed close with for her entire life

At a young age, Dolly was stricken with polio and had to be treated in BC. Despite overwhelming odds, she fought back and never let it beat her. The day she returned to Carcross and WALKED up to her father was one of the happiest and proudest days of his life.

Dolly met her husband, Walter, in Carcross and they were married on a cold winter’s day in January of 1968. Together they had three sons, George (Danielle), Norman (Tracy) and John. After residing in Carcross, the family moved to Whitehorse where she remained for the remainder of her days.

Dolly also felt blessed to have two granddaughters, Abby and Madison, as well as extended granddaughters Tarin and Cola, all of whom she cared for deeply.

After Walter’s passing 25 years ago, Dolly’s strength allowed her to live independently, not letting the polio slow her down. She shared her new life with some of the animals she cherished; her dogs Lovie and Mater and her “pretty bird” Chicken Wing. She loved being surrounded by flowers, the sound of the windchimes on her deck, and would spend time keeping up with her ‘soaps’ on TV, watching wrestling and hockey, and playing along with game shows!

Dolly also had an independent spirit and enjoyed travel, whether it be taking a Caribbean cruise with her husband, a trip to Disneyland with her sister Tina and niece Jennie-Mae, participating in the Canada Senior Games with her nieces and nephews or journeying across the Atlantic to visit Walter’s relatives with her family.

Dolly was predeceased by her husband of more than thirty years, Walter, as well as her parents, Jack and Adele, sisters Millie and Margaret and brother Sonny. Dolly also mourned the passing of many close friends and family and, although trying, tried to keep high spirits knowing that she would one day see them again, catch up on old times and enjoy running through the fields.

Dolly passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025, at Whitehorse General Hospital, with family by her side. After long years of fighting, it was time to rest. We take solace in the fact that the suffering and pain were over, and she can be at peace.

Dolly truly showed us all what it was like to have a fighting spirit through her journey with polio, never letting that stop her. She loved life and her family and friends.

She truly was a Doll.