ROBERTSON, Della Marlene
1953-2021
Della passed away peacefully on November 21, 2021, after a nearly 17-month battle with brain cancer. She was 68 years old. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Patrick, three daughters, Heather, Robyn and Holly, sons-in-law Mark Sin and Matthew Williams, granddaughters Grace Della and Wren Mary Rose as well as her devoted cocker spaniel, Opie. She will be missed by her brothers and their spouses: Wayne (Penny), Gary, Warren (Cheryl), Lloyd, Clyde (Angela), Dale (Lorraine) and her sister-in-law Maureen Robertson. She will be fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews: Sarah Olsen, Daniel and Katherine Kelly, Jill Van Kessel, David, Brent, Glenn, Shawn and Bruce Robertson.
Della was born on August 4, 1953 in Calgary, to parents Rose Mary Selinger and John Patrick Kelly. She grew up as middle child and only girl with six brothers. She lost her mother at the age of 10 and her father at the age of 18. She felt tremendous support, through these challenging years from neighbors and friends. After the passing of her parents, she was very close with her great uncle Aloysius and great Aunt Mary Maureen, and her cousins whom she considered adopted siblings.
She attended school in Calgary, and was bright and motivated. Della completing her Nursing Degree in 1974 at Holy Cross and spent 4 years working as a nurse in Northern Saskatchewan where she married her husband. Work ethic and education were important to her. While working full time as a nurse and running her own business she raised three daughters and completed her Masters of Nursing. She enjoyed teaching most. Della finished her career as manager of Cochrane Home Care Services. In her retirement she was passionate about community advocacy focusing on Seniors in Alberta and rural hospice. Della sat on the Provincial Senior’s Advisory Committee and she received the Minister’s Seniors Service Award in 2018.
Della enjoyed: early morning coffee and the news, gardening and pink peonies, reading historical fiction, Christmas time, and longform jokes. Della’s punchlines were often interrupted by her own laughter.
On Della’s behalf, the Robertson family would like to extend sincere thanks to the tremendous support provided during her illness. Of particular note: the entire staff at Dulcina Hospice, the team at Cochrane Home Care and Rocky View Private Home Health, Dr. Julie Torrie, Cochrane Urgent Care, the team at the Tom Baker Cancer Center and the Neurosurgical Ward at Foothills Hospital. She received such comfort from her closest friends who visited, fed and supported her and her family during this challenging time.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider making a donation to the Cochrane Hospice Society, in her name. www.cochranehospicesociety.ca
Given the COVID pandemic, there will be prayers for immediate family and friends at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. A Graveside Memorial will be held at the Cochrane Cemetery on November 26th at 1:30pm for those who wish to attend. A celebration of life will be planned for June 2022.
Arrangements entrusted to Florence (Flo) Simpson, Funeral Director
Cochrane Country Funeral Home – cochrane@piersons.ca – 403-932-1039
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of ROBERTSON Della Marlene 19532021..
Death notice for the town of: Cochrane, Province: Alberta
A wave of sadness hit me when I learned of Della’s passing. I went to school with Della and stayed in touch, during those school years, with the entire family through my mum, Phoebe Thorvaldson. What a wonderful life Della experienced over time, forty-five years of marriage, and a rewarding nursing career. My prayers and thoughts go out to Patrick and the girls as well as the entire Kelly family.
Della.will.sure be missed she touched so many hearts and left such a big impact
Such a wonderful family I will never forget
Big hugs to everyone I got the honor to meet pat. Heather Robin and Holly and the 2 cutest babies
Big hugs
Bree (R.A)