"Learning that Aunt Dell was in hospital, I found a card for her and had it signed, sealed and ready to send when I received word of her death. The verse on the card read: "Say there's this one person in your family that everyone carries on about like they're someone really special, but all your life you've just kind of taken all of that for granted because, well, they're family and that's just the way it's always been. Then as you get older, you begin to realize, hey, everybody's right... this is no ordinary person! This is someone so special that even if you spent the rest of your life trying, there's no way you could ever begin to tell them what an important influence they've been in your life or how grateful you are for their constant, caring support... So for no particular reason, on a day like today, you make sure they know how very important they are to you and how very much you love them." The note that I added was "I want you to know that we're thinking of you and remembering you in our prayers. You have been, and continue to be, a wonderful role model to me--both personally and professionally--and I cherish your love, strength, integrity, compassion, wit and wisdom." I'm so sad that I didn't get to send the card before she died--but in some ways, it doesn't really matter--because the sentiments expressed in it, she already knew. You're at peace now, Aunt Dell, and in heaven with Uncle Howie, Cap, and your dear little grandchildren. Give them all a hug for us! Love, Pat, Mark and Laura Sullivan XOXOXO"
In loving memory of
Mary Della North
November 11, 1908 - April 19, 2004
Newport, RI - Mary Della Calnen North, 95, of 38 Whitwell Avenue Newport, died Monday, April 19, 2004 at St. Clare Home Newport, RI.She was the wife of the late Howard T. North. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on November 11, 1908, she was the daughter of the late Albert P. and Mary Burke Calnen. Mrs. North was a 1932 graduate of the Newport School of Nursing. She was a registered nurse at the Newport Hospital and then went on to work in private duty until retiring in 1965. In 1970 she began wintering in Englewood, FL. Mrs. North was a communicant of St. Josephs Church and a member of the Newport School of Nursing Alumni Association. She is survived by her daughter in-law Leslie L. North of Portsmouth, RI, her granddaughter Charlotte North of New York City, NY, her grandson Benjamin North of Philadelphia, PA, two brothers James Calnen of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and Alan Calnen of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and three sisters Mary Calnen Menard of San Jose, CA, Annie Frances Calnen Blackburn of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Pauline Calnen Deselits of North Bay, Ontario.She was the mother of the late Howard Robert North and the sister of the late Georgina C. Calnen Riley, Jeremiath J. Calnen, Sayde B. Calnen Heavey, James Bert Calnen, Susann C. Calnen Flynn, Albert Calnen, Charles Calnen, Percy David Calnen, Florence S. Calnen, Evelyn W. Calnen Sullivan and Joseph Calnen.Her funeral will be held on Monday, April 26, 2004, at 10:00 AM in St. Josephs Church, Broadway And Mann Avenue, Newport. Burial will be private.Donations in her memory may be made to the Dana Faber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 55584, Boston, MA 02205-5584.
Tributes
"We always had so much fun visiting Aunt Dell. She had the best stories to share and the history lesson was amazing. This is definitely the end of an era. We will all miss everything about Aunt Dell. Tom Leslie Samantha Cameron Julia & Sierra"
"I will always remember the "Mocha Cake". My father requested it during my youth and my husband requests it now. Jim will always remember meeting Aunt Dell in Englewood Florida and the first thing she said ... "would you like a Manhattan" as we walked around admiring her citrus trees. We enjoy remembering those delicious and happy times with her. Love, Krisan, Jim, Brandon and Joshua Walker"
"Aunt Dell was an exceptional woman whose kind and thoughtful personality touched so many lives. I feel privileged to have been one of those people. I will always cherish the memories of our picnics around the Ocean Drive, day trips, dinner outings, and her warm hospitality. Cheers to Aunt Dell! May God bless her and all those who love her."
"My fondest memory of "Aunt Dell was her Moca Cake and hot coffee on a cold winter day."
"She's with the angels that's for sure. Not to mention probably organizing one big party, so that she can once again enjoy the company of loved ones that have preceeded her. Jim,Susan,Chris & Jeff Hernon"