It is with great sorrow that the family announces the passing of our dear Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother Della Jean Weighill on May 6, 2025.
Della Jean Weighill (Winkler) was born September 4, 1940. She was the youngest daughter of John and Nettie Schellenberg of Gouldtown, Saskatchewan. She had two older sisters, Ruth Joy and Ruby Mildred and a big brother George Raymond. When Della was almost 10 her family welcomed another son, Blaine Donnelly. He was never a healthy child and sadly passed away when he was 16.
Della grew up with her family on the farm and attended Riverdell school from grades 1-8. The High School was in Herbert, but it was too far to go for daily travel. Thus, she completed her High School studies via correspondence. When she was 18, Della took a secretarial course at the Reliance School of Business, and upon completion, she went to work in Regina.
While working in Regina she met Norbert Peter Winkler. They were married in Regina July 22, 1960. Norbert’s work took them to Thompson Manitoba. Sadly, things did not work out between them, and Della returned to Regina with two little girls, Lorna and Karen. Della went back to work and eventually got a job with PFRA. She was part of the team that designed and built the Gardenir Dam. She was even there for the grand opening.
In 1965, she met Bruce Weighill. Bruce and Della would spend the next 58 years together. In January 1973 Lorna and Karen got a little sister, Leah. In 1976 Bruce went to work at STI, it was a job he credited Della with helping him attain. The commute from Regina to Moose Jaw in winter was difficult so they decided to move the family to Moose Jaw. In 1977, Della transferred from the PFRA to the Unemployment Insurance Commission where she remained for 18 years. She retired in 1995 and took on the role of secretary for the FSNA , a position she held for many years.
Between 1979 and 1999 Bruce and Della welcomed 10 grandchildren into the family. Heather, Micheal, George (Dougall), Lisa, Daniel, Robert, Rion, Owen and Athena. They brought great joy and excitement to their lives. Any time with grandchildren and great grandchildren, Savannah and Marcus, was a good time.
Retirement meant babysitting and volunteering with FSNA. Once Bruce retired, they spent more time with the grandchildren at the cottage and committed to volunteering with the NDP.
Della did it all! She worked full time in an era where most women didn’t work outside the home. She always had a garden, a tradition from growing up on the farm. She was an excellent cook, nothing fancy, just good nutritious meals. She baked bread and pies, and in the fall, she canned and froze veggies from the garden. With three children there was always more month than money, so she economized by making clothes for herself and her daughters. Della could take material which was honestly ugly and make something cute and pretty out of it. She was a fantastic wife and Mom.
Della was diagnosed with dementia in her late 60’s. It was un-noticeable to visitors, but Bruce saw it. In 2022, Bruce and Della moved into Westpark Crossing. The plan was to move just once and remain there until the end. The end came for Bruce on November 6, 2023. His passing hit Della hard and in just four months she went from living on her own to living in memory care. The move was hard for Della, but over time she and Roxy, the cat settled into their new rooms. On December 16, 2024, Della fell and broke her left arm and dislocated her shoulder. She never recovered enough to go back to Westpark. On the morning of May 6, 2025, exactly 18 months after losing Bruce, Della forgot to wake up.
Those she held most dear, Ruby, Lorna (Russ), Karen (Mac), Leah (Don), Heather, Micheal, George (Dougall), Lisa, Daniel, Robert, Rion, Owen, Athena, Marcus and Savannah miss her immensely.
We’ll Love you Forever
We’ll Love You For Always
Love You Mom
Lorna, Karen and Leah
A celebration of Life will be held on Saturday May 17, 2025, at 2:00 pm at W.J. Jones & Son Chapel, 474 Hochelaga Street West, Moose Jaw, with Pastor Doug Shepherd to officiate. Those who are unable to attend in person can view a livestream service by clicking the link. Please be in the waiting room PRIOR to 1:50 PM Saskatchewan Time In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity that is close to your heart. In living memory of Della, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: (Obituaries).
Dayna Chamberlain- Funeral Director
