We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our mother, Mémère and Great-Mére Della Diane Francois (nee Neault) on Friday, February 25, 2022, at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital at the age of 80 years old.

Della was born in St. Boniface, MB on June 12, 1941. She was raised in Ste. Anne, MB until she and her twin sister moved to St. Laurent Covenant School. There she loved to skate when she had free time. On Saturdays they would attend dances and on Sundays they would go to the $0.50 movies. Della married Fern on June 13, 1959. They began their married life helping on the Francois family farm until they purchased their own dairy farm where they raised their four children. Della loved all animals; she would baby her calves by warming them by the oven when they were cold. In 1979, Della and Fern packed up and moved out to Alberta. Della had many jobs; she was a very hard worker. When she wasn’t busy working, she enjoyed travelling in the big truck with Papa Fern or piloting with her grandson Marcel.

Della lived a simple life and enjoyed visiting her family, wood painting craft nights with the girls, gardening or spending time with her good friend and neighbor Margaret. Della was very independent, every two days she would mow her lawn whether it needed it or not, this brought her lots of joy and she wouldn’t allow anyone else to do it for her.

Della liked to travel and went on many trips. One of her favorite memories was swimming with the dolphins in Hawaii. She loved to talk and would talk to anyone she met. She had a very kind and gentle manner, although she had no filter. Della loved to smoke on her patio swing and could often be found outside visiting with her family or friends.

Della loved her grandchildren and was willing to care for the many pets they would take home. Over the years she had lots of pets. When she no longer had pets of her own, she started babysitting the families’ pets. She was a Farmville enthusiast and if anyone took holidays, Della would make sure their farms were taken care of.

Della will be greatly missed by her children: Gilbert (Tammy), Gisele (Louis), Ginette (Richard) and Gina (Trevor); grandchildren: Michelle (Jason), Chandelle (Leigh), Danielle, Gilberte (Daniel), Colette (Kurt), Dustin, Gavin, Nathan and Talan; great-grandchildren: Rylie (Mckayla), Tyler, Zachary, Spencer, Kohl, Brooklyn, Brianna, Mckayla, Brandson, Abigail, and ‘Da Mares’ youngest grandchildren Hunter and Harper; great great-grandchild Owen; siblings: twin sister Stella, Gilles, Doris (John), Gabrielle (Shirley), Rosemarie, Allan, and Ronald (Margaret); sister-in-law Jovita; and brother-in-law Dave.

Della was predeceased by her husband Fern, parents Florence and Aime Neault, siblings Evelyn, Rolly, Jerry; grandson Marcel and Yvette Francois.

As per Della’s wishes there will be no funeral. Instead we will have a celebration of life on June 11, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Grande Prairie Cemetery (84th Ave. & 112th St.) An open house BBQ at Della’s acreage to follow.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue Association (12220 104 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 8A8).