Dioma 'Dottie' Wardian, 90

She was a star from the Heavens, sent into our lives for 90 short years. Her soul was white as a lily, her heart a perfect rose. She was gracious in all circumstances and thoughtful to a fault. Always concerned for others, she was a true servant to all, and from her example we learned unconditional love.

A stranger to guile, she was sincere, honest, kind, generous and loyal. Trying circumstances found her wit always intact. Cheerful and joyful flowed from her as the scent flows from a gardenia. She was hardworking, long-suffering and patient beyond reason. In the face of adversity she was strong and tenacious, kind and wise. In service to family and friends there was never a duty shirked. If ever there was a perfect love, if ever there was an unblemished soul, it was she who came and lived amongst us.

She was wife and mother, daughter and sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. But most of all she was a friend — the perfect friend — and we all miss her terribly. We marvel to have received such beauty in our lives. Returning home to Jesus, there is one more brilliant star — our star — shining down upon us — and upon all life. Beloved mother, our love for you is forever.

Dioma “Dottie” Wardian passed peacefully at home on Nov. 26, 2013, in the same house that her faithful husband built, 49 years to the day that the family moved in. She was born to Otto and Viola (Beilke) Lueck in Hamburg, Wis. In 1946 she married Gil, Air Force pilot and lifelong love. After much traveling in the military, they settled in Coeur d’Alene upon purchasing Topper In ‘n Out Restaurant, then built the Topper Too and several other businesses in the area.

She had a full life raising children, scheduling employees and making signature onion rings for the restaurants. She always looked beautiful, from Junior Prom queen in high school to selecting colorful blouses in her last days.

In retirement they enjoyed motor home traveling to visit far-flung friends around the country. In 2004, after 58 years of marriage, Gil departed from his best friend and lifelong partner.

Dottie is survived by sister Arlene Sternberg of New London, Wis.; and children: Gary Wardian of Austin, Texas, Gilbert “Jim” Wardian of Seattle, Wash., Jack (Susan) Wardian of Post Falls, Joette (Paul) Tanigawa of Hilo, Hawaii, Lynn (Dave) Graser of Coeur d’Alene, Pat (Sharon) Wardian of Coeur d’Alene, Mary (Dan) Brownell of Post Falls, Brian Wardian of Spokane, Wash., Giles (Jeannell) Wardian of Oviedo, Fla., and Connie (Kol) Nelson of Coeur d’Alene; 21 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews; and other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at the White House Event Center, 805 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, at St. Pius X Church in Coeur d’Alene, with Columbarium internment to follow. English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d’Alene, has been entrusted to handle final arrangements.

You may visit her online memorial to provide recollections or condolences at www.englishfuneralchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of North Idaho or Children’s Village are suggested.