Obituaries
Dara L. Spisak, 41
December 19, 1979 - August 13, 2021
Dara Lizabeth Spisak, 41, our much beloved daughter, mother, sister and friend, was found dead in her Manheim Township home on Friday, August 13, 2021.
Born in Butler, PA on Dec. 19, 1979, she was the daughter of Robert J. “Daddy” and Debra L Illo of Lancaster, and Andrew G. Spisak of Florida. She was married to Anthony Jones of Largo, Fla.
Nothing in the world meant more to my daughter than her beloved children, her “gingers, one with speckles and one without,” Kaileigh Isabella Roby, a student at Pace University in New York City, and Anthony Malcolm Bomberger, 12, at home. She also left behind her adored kitty, Puddin’, who is safe and sound with her parents, and her dog, Padme, who lives in Florida.
Dara was a proud employee of Wegman’s, and worked hard to build her speed as a cashier. She followed masking and sanitizing rules to the letter, much to the chagrin of customers who came through her checkout line, and endured their belligerence. She also did other duties for Wegman’s as she was asked, including Instacart retrieval.
Our Dara was a talented and instinctive cook. She was the Countess of Chocolate Chip Cookies, the Princess of Pumpkin Roll, and the Queen of Rice Krispie Treats. She loved to roast meats, especially a nice plump chicken or turkey. Her chicken enchiladas and macaroni and cheese were the stuff of legend. The only thing she didn’t excel at was tapioca, and she would always ask me to make for her. “I just can’t get it to turn out right,” I will always be grateful to have been able to give her a treat she enjoyed so much.
Prior to her Wegman’s work, and in keeping with her love of all things “kitchen,” she was for many years a server at a number of fine dining restaurants in the area, among them Doc Holiday’s, Ciro’s and the General Sutter Inn, where she also served as a dining room hostess.
But Dara’s talents were not limited to the kitchen. Her beautiful hands crocheted anything she wanted to do with amazing skill. She also enjoyed crafting jewelry by hand. Dara loved music of all sorts and could be reduced to tears at the sound of a cello. Her musical loves were varied and anyone who knew her understood her varied repertoire. She had a deep affection for unicorns, silly sox, vibrant hair color, and hearty laugh.
Our Dara loved beautiful clothes, but despised shoes. She loved flowers, especially Calla lilies and geraniums, and African violets. Dara loved roses, loved roses, but NOT red ones. If it grew, she loved it.
When it came to animals, she loved them all. Not just her adored cats and dogs, but she shared with her mother an intense affection for goats. And hedgehogs and, well, just about everything that lived, whether flora or fauna.
We are stunned and crushed beneath the weight of her loss.
In addition to her parents, children, and husband, Dara is survived by her much loved elder brother Jason N. Spisak, husband of Jennifer Stockton Spisak, Lancaster, and their daughters Aurora and Anastasia “Annie”; her brother Taylor C.J. Illo and his partner, Jenna Fink, of Salt Lake City, Utah; and her sister, Theresa H.L. Illo, of Heber City, Utah.
Dara is now in the company of her beloved grandparents, Clark P. and Louise L. Butler Silvis; and George J. and Julia F. Bennett Spisak; her “Gammy,” Cora Elizabeth Bachman Butler, and her maternal uncle, C. Paul Silvis Jr. She will also be greeted by her very special friend, Mike. We leave her in their care. We are certain Heaven is a much livelier place since her arrival. We love you, Doo. Now go, and find peace.
Fly, Eagles, Fly! Forever.
Because of Covid 19 and the current surge, funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, Lititz Pike, is in charge of arrangements.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
August 26, 2021
Im so shocked and saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Dara. I had the pleasure of working with Dara at Wegmans. I did not get to see her as much as I would have like to seeing I work overnights but every time I got to see her she was always so pleasant, funny and caring and just a really genuine person. My condolences to her family. Sending love, hugs and prayers your way.
-Denyell Whitmyer
August 19, 2021
I was just told the news of her passing…I didn’t know her for very long,but,she was a beautiful woman with a heart of gold… whenever I seen her she had a smile on her face and was just full of life..I still don’t believe she is no longer with us…she will b missed by a lot of people…she will always b remembered and never b forgotten….
Dana Schreiber
August 18, 2021
I met Dara thirty years ago after my brother married her mother. She was a wee girl with a giant smile, she had her mother’s spark and fire, her passion for life. How tragic to lose her so early. May she forever rest in peace while her smile lives on down here on earth.
August 18, 2021
So sorry for your loss!
August 18, 2021
Debbie and Bob, I am so very sorry for your tragic loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. God bless you and your family.
Mary Ann Tragesser
August 18, 2021
My Condolences to your family. I worked with Dara at Wegmans. She will be greatly lost. I will miss seeing her beautiful red hair and her bubbly personality. Prayers for your family as you grieve this unbearable loss. She is safe in Jesus arms.
Deanna Figles
August 18, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of your loss; my thoughts are with you and your family.
August 18, 2021
I had the pleasure of working with Dara cashiering and also with cart to curb. She was constantly complimenting On my hair and how fast it grows. The first time I met her we had a long conversation about music and how the only other Dara that I knew of What is Neil Sedaka’s daughter. Dara was always full of energy And a hard worker. May our Lord wrap his arms around you and give you peace, understanding and comfort in the days, months and years to come. She will be missed. Lisa Buckius❤️
August 17, 2021
Dear Kaileigh- I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved mother. I fondly remember Miss Dara coming into our second grade classroom to help. The children were always so happy on your mom”s volunteer days. Much love to you always… “Mrs. M.”
August 17, 2021
I remember Dara from 5th-6th grade Mountville Elementary – she was really into “Wayne & Garth” and she was super outgoing and very smart – she will be missed but not forgotton.
Joshua Friedel
August 17, 2021
I am so very sorry. I worked at Wegman’s with Dara and loved her dearly. She always made me smile and always did her best. I will miss her greatly. Deb Herr
August 17, 2021
Debbie and Bob, I am deeply sorry for your loss. You have my sympathy and prayers.
Jean Nikolaus
August 17, 2021
Dara played an important role in my adolescence. She dated my older brother so was, naturally, around our house on Crooked Oak Drive often.
At that time our parents were in the midst of their divorce, Dara was a bright spot during a stressful time. She often insisted that my brother take me along when they went to the mall or out to eat.
One memory that stands out the most when I think of Dara is when my mom gave her instructions to take me back to school shopping. Dara spent hours helping me to picked out clothes that were trendy, but moreso, she was so kind and took the time to boost my confidence. It has stuck with me all these many years.
Later- when I was seriously ill, Dara sent my family and I the most sincere and heart felt note. We hadn’t seen her in years, but that’s Dara- kind and thoughful beyond measure.
I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Dara will live on in all of our memories as a kind, compassionate, fun loving person. May that memory be a blessing.
August 17, 2021
I worked with Dara at Wegmans. She loved to give stickers to the children who went through her register line and she was especially happy when we got in stickers for the little girls. Her and I also got a chance to discuss our love of Peanuts and all things Snoopy! I will miss Dara’s positive spirit and energy that she brought to Wegmans.
Mark G
August 17, 2021
Having just read the positively lovely memorial for your Dara, I felt compelled to offer my heartfelt condolence for having to part with her presence. Heaven is richer for it. – Linda Lombardo Gossman
August 17, 2021
My husband and I were always happy to see Dara’s smiling facing at Ciro’s and then at Wegman’s.
Our condolences to the family.
Phil and Beth Wade
