Obituary of Della Mary MARCHAND

Della Mary Marchand of Gravelbourg, SK, passed away on May 15, 2013, in the Foyer d’Youville, Gravelbourg, at the age of 95 years. Della was born to Odile and Thomas Dougherty, on the homestead 12 miles northeast of Gravelbourg, on October 7, 1917. She attended Wiseman School and later finished her education at the convent of Jesus and Mary in Gravelbourg. Della’s first employment was working at St. Joseph’s Hospital as a nurses’ aide. She then worked at College Mathieu as a cook. From 1943 to 1946, Della worked in the telephone offices in Lafleche and Gravelbourg. On October 7, 1946, Della married Roland Marchand. They moved to the farm that was situated in the Coppen area. In 1948, they bought the Coppen Store where Della also looked after the post office. In 1958, Della chose Assiniboia to continue working as a telephone operator as they still wanted to continue farming. She held the position of senior telephone operator until 1962 when the office went automatic. In 1964, Della and Roland sold the farm and bought their home in Gravelbourg. Both Della and Roland worked in various businesses within the community and kept very busy helping senior neighbours with various tasks. They also were able to enjoy traveling in Canada and the USA where they met many new friends. Sadly, Roland passed away on March 22, 2006. Della remained active in the CWL, the Seniors’ Club, Pro-life and Cansurmount. She also was an avid gardener and loved fussing with her flower beds, when she wasn’t downtown playing cards or visiting. In October, 2009, she sold her home and moved to the Prairie Villa where she kept very active. With the aid of her scooter, she was able to be out and about around town when the weather was nice. She loved having company; she also kept in close contact with family and friends by telephone. Della will be sadly missed but fondly remembered for her advice about baking and gardening, as well as her many acts of kindness, her wit and sharp mind. We will miss those visits and phone calls! Predeceased by her husband, Roland; her parents, Odile and Thomas Dougherty; brothers Eugene (1929) and Raymond (1943), as well as sister-in-law, Helen Dougherty, Della leaves to mourn her brother, Elroy, and his children, Art and Denise Dougherty, Jo-anne and Eldon Cote, Alan and Jocelyn Dougherty, Sharon and Rick Williams and their families, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. On the Marchand side, Della leaves to mourn her sister-in-law, Annette Nicholas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The Funeral Mass was held at Our Lady of the Assumption Co-Cathedral on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at 2:00 pm. Celebrant was Father Joseph Strohhofer. Roger Marchand lit the Pascal Candle. Joël Marchand served as Cross Bearer. The Urn Bearers were Alan and Jocelyn Dougherty. Altar servers were Michelle and Alex Pouteaux. Readers were Suzanne Nicholas and Eldon Cote. Prayers of the Faithful were lead by Chylisse Marchand Urschel. Offertory Gifts were presented by Marie-Ange Beauregard and Stella Hoffart. Communion Ministers were Daniel and Léanne Marchand. Music Ministry was lead by André Moquin, Cantor, accompanied by organist, Leona Bourgeois. Soloist was Suzanne Kitt. The CWL served as honor guard. Internment took place at the Gravelbourg Roman Catholic Cemetery. Donations in memory of Della may be made to the Co-Cathedral Restoration Fund, Box 540, Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0 or St. Joseph’s Hospital/Foyer d’Youville Foundation, Box 810, Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0. Online condolences can be shared at www.pichehawkinsgrondinfuneralchapels.ca. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Piché-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapels, Assiniboia and Gravelbourg.