On the evening of her 94th birthday, Dell died quietly and peacefully at Bastion Place in Salmon Arm.
Dell was born in rural Manitoba on January 1, 1923. She was raised on a farm north of Minnedosa. At the age of 17 she started her teaching career on permit. Her first school was Whirlpool, Manitoba near Riding Mountain National Park. The class of 16 students, grades 1-9, left her with lifelong cherished memories. She later attended Normal School and taught in rural communities in Manitoba and Ontario. In the late 1940’s she moved with her family to Prince George where she owned and operated the Storytime Kindergarten for many years. Dell was also an instructor of Early Childhood Education at Northern Lights College.
Dell semi retired to Peachland and tried a brief career in Real Estate before retiring to Kelowna. Dell was active in the Historical Society, Bridge Clubs, and Lawn Bowling.
Throughout her life Dell was a superb Bridge player and she had a keen interest in the history of the communities where she resided.
Her favorite times were UBC summer schools in the 1960’s, and hauling her aluminum boat behind the VW looking for good fishing spots in the Cariboo and Okanagan during her early retirement. Dell was a great armchair fan of curling, baseball, and she loved to organize the Grey Cup Pool. Family members have many memories of her beautiful Christmas crafts, recipes and outstanding gourmet meals.
Dell was predeceased by her parents William and Emily Abel, brother and sister-in-law, Ross and Phyliss Abel, her brother-in-law Fred Cleverley and son-in-law Ron Bradley. She is survived by daughters, Lynda Bradley and Noreen Love (Colin), her sister Norma Cleverley, 2 granddaughters and 2 grandsons and one great granddaughter, 2 great grandsons, several nieces and nephews in BC and Manitoba and Ontario. Throughout her life she always was sustained by the guidance and loving support of her sister and brother-in-law, Fred and Norma Cleverley, of Winnipeg, Mn.
Thank you to the friends and health care professionals who supported us through her final journey. A special acknowledgement goes to the staff at Bastion Place in Salmon Arm, for the consistent and gentle care of our mother over many years. To Dr. Heunis and the staff members who became her mini family, your kindness will be forever remembered.
Respecting Dell’s wishes there will be no formal service.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through Dell’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com