Wolsey Delvina (Del) Lorraine
October 30, 1940 ~ April 25, 2015
It is with very sad hearts that Del’s family announces her passing on April 25, 2015 with family and friends by her side at the Palliative Care Unit at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
Del’s valiant six month battle with stage four lung cancer came to an end on April 25, 2015. Her strong will to live, her positivity, and love and prayers from family and friends carried her through the last six months of grueling chemotherapy and radiation.
Del was born October 30, 1940 in Trail, BC to Erminio (Butch) and Nina Bortolussi, the younger of two beautiful girls. Del is survived by her sister Geri, who resides in Deer Park, Washington.
After graduating from J. Lloyd Crowe High School and working as a secretary at Cominco, she met her sweetheart, John Wolsey. The couple were married in 1964 and had two children. They were married 27 years before John passed away in 1991.
Del was profoundly loved and will be sadly missed by her sister, Geri Watts; children, Tami (Dan) and Tony (Jenn); grandchildren, Joshua, Logan, Ethan, Cameron and Abigail; her cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved friends.
Del loved working closely with the elderly for many years as a caregiver. She cherished her time over the last six years volunteering with Alzheimer and Dementia patients. Del loved animals and was frequently seen enjoying her favorite sport on television, soccer (football), or delving head first into a complex crossword puzzle with her crossword puzzle dictionary at her side. Known for her kindness and outgoing personality, some may be surprised to learn of her actual shyness. She possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor and laugh. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. Del will always be remembered for her willingness to listen or help anyone who needed it, her overwhelming kindness, and her constant smiling and laughter.
Special thanks to the doctors and nurses of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital as well as the Palliative Care Unit staff.
It was Del’s final wish not to have a funeral service. Those that met her, knew her, loved her, and were loved by her will most certainly never forget the immense joy she brought to all of our lives. We love you, Del!
Her life can be summed up in these words: Our Angel that lived, laughed, and loved.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Canadian Cancer Society and/or the Nanaimo SPCA.