DELLA JENNIE HECKERT

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DELLA JENNIE HECKERT

(nee STASIUK)

On June 15, 2025, Della was reunited with her beloved husband Fred after 18 years apart, passing away suddenly, surrounded by her family, at the age of 86.

Della's memory will be lovingly cherished by her children, Kim (Shane) and Brent (Bonnie), and by her four grandchildren: Serena, Kyler, Lily, and Hudson. She is also remembered by her siblings: Ted (Eleanor), Diane (Russ), and Don. Della was predeceased by her parents, Olga and Joseph Stasiuk; her brother Ed Stasiuk, brothers-in-law: Rudy Boyko and Rudy Heckert and her husband Fred.

Born on August 1, 1938, in Bifrost, Manitoba, Della was the third of five children. Growing up in Riverton and later in Gimli, she was the daughter of a carpenter/home builder, and her earlier years involved frequent moves providing the chance to experience new places and discover new things which led to hobbies and passions that stayed with her. Della loved to read and always had a romance novel or a good mystery close at hand. Her creativity shone through with her love of sewing and crafting. From birthday cakes shaped like Barbies and baseballs, sewing superhero and space alien costumes for Halloween, creating holiday decorations, or transforming old fashions into something new, she poured her heart into everything she created. Della also adored music, and her family often remembers her singing and dancing, filling the home with laughter and song.

Della married the love of her life Fred in June of 1961, they moved to Winnipeg in 1966 and welcomed their two children shortly after. Over the next 40 years, Fred and Della built a life full of adventure and happy memories, including many family trips to Europe, southern US and Hawaii with weekends spent at the cabin at Falcon or Moose Lake.

Della was always very proud of her family and provided endless support with whatever was needed. In her later years, when her children were older, she cared for Fred and her mother, then later her grandchildren, helping care for each new baby that entered the family always with love and affection.

Putting others ahead of herself describes Della best. She was an incredibly caring, considerate, and humble woman whose strength lay in her enduring compassion and commitment to those she loved. She was witty, kind, and gave the best advice, naturally becoming the heartbeat of our family. Her warmth and joy will be deeply missed by all who knew her, including her dear sisters-in-law, Judy and Margaret, her many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

You may now see Della in the colours of the sky and hear her in morning birdsong; however in keeping with her wishes, cremation has already taken place and only a small private Celebration of Life will be held.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 28, 2025