Dora Lillian (Weimer) Sakalas

      Dora Lillian (Weimer) Sakalas, age 88, passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024, at Hazel Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.

       She was born in Dayton, OH, on July 8, 1935, to Vernon K. and Lillian (Kline) Weimer.  Displaying an early talent for music, Dora, took piano and accordion lessons.  She received her degree in musical education from the Capitol Conservatory of Music in Columbus, OH.  Back home in Dayton, she taught piano and accordion lessons at the Hauer Music House where she met the love of her life, George Sakalas, who also taught accordion there.  They married and had a daughter Melody.  Dora and George entertained weddings and other events and made beautiful music together throughout their lives.

       They moved to Aurora, Colorado, a Denver suburb where they opened a music store and began giving piano and accordion lessons.  There Dora later received a certificate for medical transcription and worked in home health care.  Dora and George then decided to move to Michigan to be near their daughter Melody, and her son Lucas.  In their new home in St. Johns, Dora, continued to teach piano and work in home health until she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and later entered the Hazel Findlay Country Manor facility, with her husband George.

       She is survived by her grandson Lucas Saltman; sister-in-law Marcella Wells; George’s nephew Alan (Sally) Sakalas; and niece Robin (John) Holt.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George, and her daughter Melody.

        A Memorial Service will be held in the later spring.  Burial will take place at Dayton National Cemetery, near Geroge.

       Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes- Osgood Chapel.