DELL HALLATT (BRENNER)

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DELL HALLATT (nee BRENNER) On April 9, 2007, at the Victoria Hospital, Dell slipped away peacefully in her sleep. One month earlier, on March 8, she celebrated her 90th birthday. Dell was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Antoinette Brenner, by her brother Martin Brenner, and by her husband of 56 years, Ernest Hallatt. Dell is sadly missed by her children, Murray (Teri), Bill (Diane) and David (Leslie); by her grandchildren, Jeff, Amanda, Sarah, Tiffany, Eric and Paula; by her one great-grandchild James; by her sister Bunny; and by numerous relatives and countless friends. Dell, the second of three children, was born March 8, l9l7, in a French Canadian community in southern Saskatchewan, where her father owned the mineral rights to a coal mine. Life at the coal mine was never easy but in 1929 tragedy struck; at the age of 12, Dell lost her mother to a brain aneurysm, which necessitated her to take on the responsibilities of cooking for the miners during the day, as well as continue with her schooling during the evening, under the tutelage of her father. Unfortunately, in 1933 tragedy struck once again. While the family was attending a local picnic, Dell's father died of a heart attack, leaving the three children orphaned. Thereafter, Dell and her two siblings were forced to separate. Dell studied nursing for one year with the Grey Nuns, but insufficient funds meant she was unable to complete her training. In the late years of the Depression Dell headed out to Kenora with some girlfriends where she worked as a waitress. This is when Dell's life story took a turn for the better. In Kenora Dell met her future husband, Ernie, and fell in love; the two were married in August 1938 and in October 1939 Dell gave birth to her first son, Murray. Bill followed in 1945, and David in 1953. Having lost her family and home at such an early age, nothing gave Dell more happiness than being able to make one of her own. Dell was an elegant and stylish woman, who had a wonderful eye for design and colour. Through home decorating and fashion Dell found an outlet for this talent, creating works of art with both her wardrobe and her many homes. However, her greatest passion always was her family and the many dear friends who became her family. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 12 at l0:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. Reception will follow immediately after interment. Flowers gratefully declined. If friends so wish, donations may be made to the Arthritis Society, 105 - 386 Broadway, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 3R6. Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 12, 2007