April 8, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
November 1936 - March 2024.
Delphine passed away gently, surrounded by family at her Kootenay Street Village residence on Holy Thursday.
Delphine was born and raised in Fernie with her siblings and 2 nieces (Rita & Peg). She was the 13th child of John and Nellie Bella. Delphine had a passion for music, a gifted pianist and vocalist. She was a longtime organist at Holy Family Parish in Fernie, as well, an enthusiastic participant in school plays and church socials. It's at a youth church social in Fernie where she met her forever love, Jim Kennelly.
After graduating high school early Delphine left for Edmonton to pursue secretarial school. She worked for Trans Canada Airlines and Schlumberger before Jim popped the question and they began their life & forever home in Cranbrook, in 1957.
Delphine was a busy stay at home Mom. She was an active volunteer throughout the years and generously gave to the community of Cranbrook. She had an infectious laugh and a smile that would light up a room. She loved the holiday seasons, especially Christmas and Easter, where food, friends and traditions were never forgotten. She made every occasion special. Her kindness and her candy cupboard will be fondly remembered by so many!
Delphine is predeceased by her best friend & devoted husband, Jim; sons Teddy & Phillip, infant daughter, parents John and Nellie; Jim's parents Martin & Myrtle; his siblings Harry, Pat, Doreen and their spouses; her siblings Slim, Johnny, Jerry, Hank, Tom; sisters, Margaret, Virginia, Gypsy, Helen, Monica, Leona, Pat & Carmen and many of their spouses.
She is survived by her children Jane (Al), Ann Marie (Laurie), Tom (Canda) Dan (Wendy) Barb (Lorne), Maureen (Don), and Mike; 15 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
With sincere gratitude the family wishes to thank the dedicated and caring staff at Kootenay Street Village, Dr. Katherine Wight, Dr. Wik, Arlene Bedell, Dr. Ken Brown, Teena Weech & team of homecare support caregivers.
Thank you to Delphine's warm and loving caregiver, April Grant, treasured friends Kathleen Melenka, Brian Clarkson and Ev Sternig. They always made Delphine feel special when family couldn't be near.
A Prayer Vigil for Delphine will take place Friday April 12, 2024 at 7:00 PM at Christ the Servant Parish in Cranbrook.
A Funeral Mass to honor Delphine will be held on Saturday April 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM Christ the Servant Parish.
An option to view the Funeral Mass live and/or recorded will be available on Delphine's obituary page under Live Stream of Service.
In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Jim & Delphine (Bella) Kennelly Legacy Fund held at the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies.
Online at https://give.vancouverfoundation.ca/s/give?ID=a0eOL000000hqxpYAA
or by cheque to CFKR at Box 242, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 4H8
Service Details
11:00 AM