Daria "Dottie" Marianne Pavlis

Daria "Dottie" Marianne Pavlis passed away peacefully at her home of more than 40 years on October 15, 2026, in Omaha, Nebraska. She was born on July 17, 1958, to

Oleksa and Jaroslawa Prodywus. Dottie attended South High School and took night classes so she could graduate early in 1976. During her teenage years, she sang in a Ukrainian folk band with her brother Alex, Kobzari, and together they recorded several albums.

After high school, Dottie began working at Mutual of Omaha, where she worked for several years before starting her family. She had a strong work ethic and worked in a variety of fields throughout her life before retiring from Hy-Vee in 2023.

Dottie had two daughters, Lisa M. and Cindy L., with her former husband, Steven Pavlis.

Following her divorce, Dottie met the love of her life, Michael R. Kennedy. They shared 29 wonderful years together, along with many beloved pets. Dottie loved thrifting, garage sales, crossword puzzles, bingo, board games, fishing, stock car racing, watching her favorite television shows, and shooting the breeze with family, friends, and neighbors. No one was better at finding a bargain or negotiating an even better price. She also had a unique talent for striking up conversations with anyone, especially police officers, firefighters, and first responders. No matter the location or situation, they always seemed willing to tell her what was going on, much like the way people opened up to Chuck Norris in Walker, Texas Ranger.

Dottie is survived by her fiancé, Michael R. Kennedy; her daughters, Lisa M. Pavlis (Thom Tworek) and Cindy L. Pavlis; and her grandson, Tito Pavlis-Novelo. She is also survived by her brother, Greg Prodywus (Jenny); her niece, Anne Knape (Aaron); her nephew, Michael Prodywus (Erin); and her faithful dog, Ella.

Dottie was preceded in death by her parents, Oleksa and Jaroslawa Prodywus; her brothers, Jerry, George, Oleh, and Father Alexander Prodywus; her dogs, Shadow, Dameon, and Sadie; her cats, Tatum, Shimmer, Tubby, Opossum, Varla, and Ramsey; and her childhood pet squirrel, Squeaker.

A Mass will be held in her honor on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Assumption of the B.V.M. Ukrainian Catholic Church, with a luncheon in the church hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Assumption of the B.V.M. Ukrainian Catholic Church, 2301 South 16th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68108.