Della Mae Pollard
January 12, 1925 – November 23, 2017
It is with deep sorrow that the Pollard family announce the passing of Della May Betts Pollard on November 23, 2017.
Della was born in Rainy River, ON, on January 12, 1925 to Minnie and Arthur Betts.
She shared a childhood with Eugene Pollard in North Branch, ON and grew up to be husband and wife and together became parents to 14 children.
She is predeceased by her husband Eugene, her daughter Irene Smith, her sons, Joseph and wife Darlene, Dennis, David, and Bruce Pollard, her grandsons, Guy Levesque, James Hill, Brian and Laverne Smith, and Roger Pollard.
Della’s remaining children are; Deanna (Harry) Pitchenese, Betty (Roland) Levesque, Anne (Daniel) Langlais, Gail (Glenn) Wise, Jane (Mike) Peterson, Gene (Claudette) Pollard, Gordon (Diane) Pollard, Mark (Sheli) Pollard and Philip (Barb) Pollard.
Della is also survived by her beloved nephew Lee Johnson, her many grandchildren she loved so dearly as well as her great and great-great grandchildren.
Della and Eugene moved to Eagle River in 1962. Eugene worked for Dryden Paper before becoming a Road Maintenance Worker for Machin.
Della spent her entire working career at the MNR Tree Nursery. The co-workers she met there remained incredible friends her entire life. She enjoyed great health up to her 90th year. The last 2 years her health declined, but her wonderful, sharp mind remained crystal clear.
Her last 2 months were spent at the Dryden Hospital while she waited for a room at Princess Court.
In room 108 at DRHC, she held court as she did at her home with family and friends paying constant tribute to her every single day.
Such thanks to the nursing staff, Dr. Moir and her roommates for putting up with constant traffic.
Such a tiny little lady with such a big heart will remain larger than life in our hearts always.
She became entrenched in the hearts of the community of Eagle River as she did with all she met.
In the course of Mom’s lifetime, she experienced tremendous loss; losing her father at a tender age, and 2 brothers George and Glendon. With the passing of her own husband “Jiggs” on January 13, 1984. Mom became not only our family matriarch, but our rock we leaned on. With her unwavering support and compassion, she got us through.
Mom was bestowed with even more trials and tribulations as her life progressed. She endured losing 5 of her own children and numerous grandchildren. Though the loss and void that each of the family members left when they departed, mom never became bitter or resentful. Instead, she moved forward and became an even stronger example to all of her family of courage and strength.
She was the bond that held our family together. Her unwavering spirit and unconditional love that she put forth to each of us will allow for us to carry on her legacy.
We love you!
Visitation will take place on Friday, November 24, 2017 from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Dryden Community Funeral Home.
Cremation to follow.
A Memorial Service will take place on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Eagle River Community Hall.
Interment will take place in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the DRHC – CT Scan Renewal through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Ave., Dryden, ON, P8N 2X3 Expressions of sympathy may be sent to dcfh@drytel.net subject heading: Pollard.