DELLA ASHAM HALKOWICH

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DELLA ASHAM HALKOWICH On Tuesday, May 13, 2014, Della Asham Halkowich passed away at St. Joseph's Auxiliary Hospital in Edmonton, AB. She was 67 years old. Mourning her loss is her daughter Ingrid (Ken), beloved granddaughter Kennedy, foster daughter Olivia (Adam), sisters Linda (Frank) and Brenda (Myles), and brothers Ron (Lillian), Hector (Erica), Tony and Randy as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. Her husband John, mother Irene, and brother Currie predeceased her many years before. Della will be fondly remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She loved with a pure heart by living a life according to the word of God and His teachings. Her belief in God guided her through life and it was her faith that kept her strong through the difficult times and joyful in the many wonderful and good times she shared with those closest to her. Della was a wonderful teacher and thoroughly enjoyed being in the classroom. She studied very hard and sacrificed a lot to earn her Bachelor of Education degree. One of her proudest moments was when she became a teacher. It gave her great joy and pride to be able to educate children and adults of all ages. She was highly respected by her many students and colleagues throughout her career. Della was a lady of many talents and interests. She was a fantastic cook and baker and many a memory can be had of her homemade stews, fresh baked buns and bread and homemade apple pie. She especially loved baking and decorating cupcakes with Kennedy whenever she came to visit. Della was a scrabble enthusiast and "fierce" competitor. She would always say it's "just for fun" and that it didn't matter if she won. All of us knew better and so enjoyed the many hours of scrabble marathons at her house. We often made up our own rules and pulled out the dictionary more times than we could keep count but loved and laughed every minute playing with her. She loved to travel and visited Israel, Hawaii and the Caribbean. One special memory was a vacation to Disney World with her family. She was an avid volunteer and always gave back to the church, her community and anyone in need. She never said no to anyone and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Mom, we will miss your laughter, your wisdom and most of all, your love. Your light will shine down upon us from Heaven and encircle us in its warmth and everlasting love. We will miss you. A memorial service will be held at the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, 309 Eveline Street, Selkirk, MB on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. A luncheon will follow. As per Della's wishes, she will be cremated and her ashes laid to rest alongside her husband John in St. Martin Cemetery. Interment in St. Martin, MB will take place at a later date. We would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff of both St. Joseph's Auxiliary Hospital and the Grey Nuns for the compassionate care given to her. Thank you for always treating her with the kindness, dignity and respect she deserved. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 17, 2014