Dzidra Skaidrite Palevics

Dzidra Skaidrite Palevics, 87, passed away peacefully at home on January 13, 2024. Dzidra was born August 18, 1936 in Lielstraupe, Latvia to Janis and Alma Zarins.

Dzidra and her family fled Latvia during the Russian invasion and spent several years in displaced persons camps in Germany. The family came to the United States in 1951 when they received a sponsor in Wisconsin. The family later moved to Des Moines where she graduated from East High School.

She worked many years as an administrative assistant throughout the United States. After raising her four children she returned to the work force as a teacher’s aide to special needs children for many years. Dzidra later worked and retired from Victoria Dry Cleaners in 2006. In her retirement she enjoyed spending time with family, grandchildren and her pets.

Dzidra was an active member of the Latvian Society of Iowa. She participated in the Latvian folk dancing during her youth. She enjoyed gardening, reading and cooking. She was well known for her Latvian tortes.

She is survived by her son, Leons Palevics Jr; daughter, Astra (Jeff) Pike and their children, Meta and Nils; daughter, Sandra (Ryan) Dostal and their children, Kennedy and Levi; and her daughter, Arija Palevics.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Janis and Alma, sister Benita, brother Edvins, and husband Leons.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines with a visitation one hour prior. Family burial will take place later in the spring.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to St Jude Children’s Hospital, The Latvian Society of Iowa or Furry Friends Rescue.

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