DELLA ALICE STAPLES (née: Baker)
April 8th, 1931 – April 7th, 2026
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandma, great-grandma, aunt, and friend, Della Alice Staples. She passed away peacefully at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital on Monday April 7th, 2026 – one day short of her 95th birthday.
Della was born on April 8th, 1931 to Victor and Bertha Baker in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. She had many fond memories of her childhood at 310 Coteau St. West. Della first met Murray Staples at her neighbour’s house party. They were married on April 21st, 1951 and proudly raised four children on South Hill.
Della started working at the age of 16 at Beaver Lumber and then went to work at the Admitting Department at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital. She then spent the rest of her work career as a secretary for the Moose Jaw Public Education Department. Della’s years at Peacock High School were particularly enjoyable. Even in her nineties, Peacock alumni would still recognize her and be happy to reminisce.
After Murray passed away, Della, at the age of 65 years, finally got her driver’s licence and joined the Timothy Eaton’s Senior Citizens Centre. It took all of her courage to walk in the first day, but she was a member for 25 years and made many friendships. Her favourite games were cribbage and whist.
Della loved words and enjoyed watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and doing crossword puzzles. She loved to read and write. Della also loved music, especially opera. Knitting was also her passion, and many were the appreciative recipients of her creations. Afghans, sweaters and baby clothes were her specialty. Della loved to cook and bake, and Sunday suppers were always special. All of us looked forward to her Christmas baking – peanut butter squares and butter tarts were family favorites. Della was a lifelong Yankee fan and a Blue Jay fan later in life.
Della loved her annual West Coast road trips alongside Tracy, Marj, and Kelly to visit family. She loved the water and loved to swim. There were many good times spent at Banff, Salmon Arm, Penticton, Langley, and Bremerton. Della’s happiest moments were when she was with all of her children and grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Murray in 1997; brothers: Bill, Barry, Doug, and George; sisters, Florine (Toots) King and Bertha Bunn; infant granddaughter, Amanda; and daughter-in-law Claire. Della is survived by her children: Kevin (Sharon), Kelly (Marj), Tracy, and Lisa (Norm) Tindall; grandchildren: Celina (Neil) Faulkner, Dexter, and Keenan (Skye); and great-grandchildren, Addison and Ardley Faulkner.
The family would like to thank the Bentley staff for their wonderful eight years of care. Also, we are very thankful to Dr. Waldner, Home Care, Providence Place staff and the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital Emergency Dept/ ICU nurses and Doctors. Their kindness to mom and our family was greatly appreciated.
As per Della’s wishes, a family graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Della’s name may be made to Moose Jaw and District Senior Citizens Association (Eaton’s Centre) or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Shirese Noble Funeral Director 306-693-4550
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Della. Della and my Mom (Violet Talock) use to sit together at the same table for lunch ,and also played whist together at the Timothy Eaton Senior Center for many years. Della was always very friendly and loved to have a good chat with us whenever we saw her. We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to all of her family and friends on her passing. Cherish your happy memories of her. We hope in time these memories will bring you some comfort, hope and peace. Take care.
So sorry to hear about Della’s passing. I remember her from Eaton’s; she was also a client at my spa there. I loved talking with Della, she could be quite sassy sometimes and always managed to make us laugh. My sincere condolences.
Kevin, Kelly, Tracy, Lisa and family, I am sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing. I have nothing but fond memories of her from our time as next door neighbors on Vaughan Street and then again during my years at Peacock. My condolences to all at this difficult time.
For years, Della was the glue that held together the office at Peacock. She was so much more than the “secretary”. She was a friend, a confidant, and an endless wealth of knowledge and trivia. As a beginning teacher, she set me on a path of excellence, and helped me to see students in ways I would never consider- always for the better. You will be missed, Della!
To Kelly, Marj, Lisa and the rest of the Staples family,
My condolences to you all. What a wonderful gracious lady she was. She was a caring presence during my high school years at Peacock. She always made a person feel important with her smile, humour and ability to take time to listen. Even years later when I would run into her, she would call me by name and ask how things were going. What a blessing she was!
Kelly and Marj, Darrell and I are very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She certainly did live to a wonderful age. You shall miss her, but those memories that make you laugh will make the grief a little easier.
Kelly, Tracey, Lisa, Kevin and families So sorry to hear of your Mum’s passing..still remember so many years ago her kindness, laughs, the old pump organ, and the family gatherings at your home. Thinking of her and all of you..
So sorry for your loss. One of the best neighbors we had Dennis &Jeantte Wood
Kelly, Kevin, Tracey, Lisa and families – I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. She lived a long and full life and always spoke so proudly of her children. Your family was so kind and supportive when our mum passed in 2005, never to be forgotten. Many good memories of family get togethers, way back when. Take care, you are in my thoughts.
Kelly and Marj, Tracy, Kevin and Lisa, Art and I are saddened to hear of the passing of your mom. I have such fond memories of working with Della at Peacock for 17 years. We often commented how we spent more hours in a day with each other, than with our family. When my mom moved to the Bentley, I was so excited to see Della upon arriving. We had many short visits at the Bentley over the last 2 1/2 years. She was a dear friend. Cherish your memories.
So sorry to hear of Della’s passing. May your memories become treasures that you hold in your heart forever.
Lisa, Tracy, Kelly, and Kevin and families, I was so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was one of a kind. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was always ready with a quick quip or a gentle nudge, whatever was called for in the moment. She made going to the office fun! I always enjoyed my chats with her at your home after bike riding or skiing adventures. She was a special woman and she will be missed. May your memories of her and the special times that you shared bring you comfort.
My condolences Lisa and Tracy, and to all your family. I know you’ll have many happy memories to cherish of your mom.
I’d love to connect if either of you would like to catch up. It’s been too many decades!
I hoe if you reply to me here I’ll get an email.