Dora Fie

Dora Fie was born at her family farm in Norquay, Saskatchewan, Canada on December 4, 1926, to Samuel and Esther Ochitwa. There was a huge snowstorm, so her father was not able to register Dorie’s birth until December 6. Dorie’s birthday was annually celebrated for three days on December 4, 5 and 6. Just six months after her birth, Dorie’s father passed away. Dorie’s mother raised her three children as a single parent on the farm. While they didn’t have a lot of money, they were rich in love and blessings of food, family and friends. At home they spoke Ukrainian and at school Dorie spoke English and French. Dorie was gifted with numbers and enjoyed working in the finance department of various companies. Through mutual friends Dorie was introduced to Merrill Fie while he was on a fishing trip to Canada. They were a match made in heaven. Dorie left behind her family, friends and career to marry Merrill and move to the United States. Merrill was Dorie’s life and business partner for 68 years until he passed away in March 2023. Together they built successful companies, travelled the world, gave back to their community and most importantly, loved and raised two daughters. Dorie cherished her entire family and was a supportive and caring wife, daughter, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Dorie loved attending events of all her grandchildren, especially Grandparent’s Day at Colorado Academy.

 Dorie is survived by daughters Colleen (Bill) Porterfield and Roxanne (Ed) Anderson; along with their children Derek (Ashley) Porterfield and Cooper, Claire; Brett Porterfield; Merrill (Emily) Stillwell and Nora, Anna; Elizabeth Stillwell; Bridget Anderson; Brady Anderson; Max (Erin) Anderson and Ansel, Elin, Annika; Joe (Molly) Anderson and Rhodes, Emmitt; Kelsey (Jeremy) Herbert and Graham, Thompson. Dorie is reunited with Merrill in heaven and likely talking in Ukrainian with her mother, father, sister Anne and brother Mike. Dorie is survived by her sisters-in-law Sue (Bob) Ellefson and Marlys Fie, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family members.

 Merrill and Dorie purchased the Denver Culligan franchise in 1956. From the basement in their home, Dorie ran the business that financed the sale of water softeners to customers. Dorie was ahead of her time as a woman with a professional business career. In 1967 Dorie and Merrill became the third owners of Deep Rock Water, a company founded in 1896. They loved the people in the Five Points area where the water well is located. Merrill was the visionary and Dorie worked to make it all happen. Dorie loved to entertain and was an incredible cook and hostess. Dorie had a positive outlook, always full of energy and eager to meet new people. In her spare time, Dorie would crochet blankets which she gave to special people, pets and the graduates of the Salvation Army Harbor Light program. When macular degeneration took most of her eyesight, there was still one pattern Dorie could crochet by touch. Dorie and Merrill had many friends with whom they shared Ports of Call travel adventures, dancing and fun card games. Even at age 98 Dorie was determined to win at bridge, hearts and gin rummy. Near and dear to Dorie and Merrill was The Salvation Army. In December 2023 Dorie and Merrill received The Salvation Army William Booth Award in recognition of their dedication and outstanding service to the community.

 The Celebration of Life will be at Augustana Lutheran Church on February 7 at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Dorie to The Denver Metro Salvation Army, Augustana Lutheran Church, Colorado Academy, or Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver.