July 13, 1934 – August 1, 2026
“The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”
On Saturday, Delores set off to a new “club,” where the beer’s always cold, the wine glasses are never empty, no one’s going to convince her to drink water, and apparently the dress code is “whatever you wore when you got there.”
She was 92 years young, which means she outlived an astonishing number of appliances, politicians, hairstyles, and people who tried to tell her what she should or shouldn’t do. If you knew Mom, you know she had already made up her mind long before anyone shared their thoughts.
Delores was born as the oldest of three girls to John (Jack) and Valerie Johnston. While working at CP Rail, she met Dino Burella, and together they created a life filled with family, laughter, and three daughters: Karen Wattman, Janet (Daniel) Mc Cutchon, and Diane Burella (Tony Schneider).
Later on, Mom worked as a secretary for the Catholic School Board and as an admissions clerk in the Emergency Department at Mc Kellar Hospital. She took pride in her work but fully embraced retirement when it came along and never looked back.
Just before retiring, Lauren arrived on the scene, making Mom and Dad proud grandparents known as Grams and Grumpy. Dino happily took on roles like storyteller, chauffeur, and biggest fan while Mom taught Lauren essential skills: cooking, crafting, upholstering furniture-and how to make a house feel like home. Years later came great-grandson Clark who quickly became Gi Gi’s newest source of joy and mischief. Lauren and Clark will miss her dearly.
No matter where life took them through the years, family always stayed at the center of everything. Vacations were practically mandatory; from childhood through adulthood they gifted us countless beautiful memories that we’ll hold onto forever.
A long time ago, Delores wandered into Army & Navy on Fort William Road for a small jug of draft beer and a good book. That simple outing blossomed into decades of friendship with Olive, Mike & Iris; Gordie; Mike; Steve; Marie; Bill; among many others. More recently she became a familiar face at The Pros (Prosvita) in Westfort where staff knew her order by heart-regulars were well-acquainted with her stories-and friends always saved her a spot.
Jan and Dan ensured that Mom and Dad were included in their busy social lives. Their friends became Mom’s friends too creating an amazing extended family that included Dianne & Tim; Grace & Gilles; Janice & Dave; Andrej & Sonja; Carolyn & Tony-who all contributed to making her later years filled with laughter friendships-and more than a few glasses raised together.
Delores was preceded in death by her husband Dino; son-in-law Bill; grandson-in-law Luke-as well as many other relatives from both Johnston and Burella families.
Our family deeply appreciates everyone who cared for Mom making sure her final years were comfortable safe-and dignified. Special thanks go out to Dr. G. Lower along with his receptionist Kerri; Dr. N. Laferriere; Dr. M. Anthes; Dr. F. Nigro; Natalie Volbracht NP-the compassionate staff at Rexall Pharmacy-Thunder Bay Emergency Services-and hospital personnel who attended to Mom with kindness throughout this time. We especially thank Nancy Ulakovic for all of your support! And thanks also goes out to ladies at Kangas Sauna plus casino restaurant staff for consistently making sure she felt welcome-your generosity didn’t go unnoticed by our family!
A celebration of life will take place at Westfort Prosvita located at 721 Gore St W., on Sunday August 30th from 1-4 P. M.
In lieu of flowers consider donating towards any charity you prefer or buy someone else a beer share an amazing story meet somebody new-and laugh until your cheeks hurt! That would’ve gotten Mom’s approval!
And if Heaven suddenly has the best happy hour-a legendary garage sale-with someone haggling over angel wings-you can be sure that Mom is settling in just fine.
Cheers to you Mom!
On-line Condolences may be sent to www. blakefuneralchapel. com
