Obituary of Betty Anne Dell

Betty Dell 79, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, passed away in Saskatoon on January 11, 2020. She will be dearly missed by her loving family. Her parents Anne and Ken, husband Norman and son Kevin preceded her in death. Betty is survived by her daughter Colleen Anne Dell (Dave), daughter-in-law Debra Dell and grandson Keenan Dell, sister-in-law Judy (George), and cat Sophie and family dogs Kisbey, E-Jay and Anna-Belle.

Betty was born October 2, 1940 in Arcola, Saskatchewan. She met her husband Norman, in the North End of Winnipeg over 50 years ago and committed to him for life, through trying times and good times. She was a loving and extremely proud mother who supported her children, as well as friends, with her unconditional love. She also supported countless others’ children who she worked with in the Winnipeg community. After her retirement from the Winnipeg School Division, Betty remained in Winnipeg with Norman and received support from her community in return, in particular close friend Debbie Gould and others. Moving from Winnipeg to Saskatoon to be near her family in the past two years of her life was a courageous change. Last summer Betty said she knew it was the right choice when she returned to Winnipeg for a visit, and upon arriving shared she felt her home was now in SK. In Saskatoon, Betty made friends at her retirement residence (Preston Park II) and adored many of the staff that assisted her with daily living. She was openly welcomed by her daughter Colleen’s circle of friends, and loved all the adventures they had together. At the end of her life, this sincere care for her continued from all the genuine visitors and staff at the Royal University Hospital.

Betty was avidly committed to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and she practiced this in her daily life, long before the current level of social awareness. She had a passion for animals and they were very much drawn to her open spirit. Living in Saskatoon she enjoyed spending time with horses with family friend Darlene Chalmers.

Betty was a very caring and proud grandmother to her one grandson, Keenan, and remaining daughter Colleen. She fueled them with enough love to carry them throughout their lives so they will never be without her.

The family would like to extend our sympathy to all who have lost Betty in their lives. Some recently and others some time ago, because that is just how life goes sometimes. Know that she took all the experiences she had in life and grew from them. She also passed along what she learned in subtle ways to others. The enduring quality of Betty was that she consistently did not judge others’ or their decisions.  

The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to our friends and supports today and yesterday.

Cremation has taken place, and a private family celebration of life will follow. Details to follow.

“Like the loss of sunlight, on a cloudy afternoon, gone too soon”. Betty took comfort in the lyrics of the Jackson song ‘ Gone too soon’ with the passing of her own mother, son and husband. No words can express how much you will be missed.