Obituary of Delores Lorraine Gallelli

March 25, 1928 - Calgary, Alberta

December 23, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Delores Gallelli of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 23, 2021, at the age of 93 years.

Delores was born in Calgary, AB, on March 25, 1928, the fourth of six children of Jennie and Gordon Stothers. She married Bill Gallelli of Calgary and acted as an invaluable support to his work as part of the family business ‘Gallelli and Sons, Ltd.’, a well-known construction company in Calgary’s history. Later, the couple continued to work together in the company they founded with their son Nick, ‘Gallelli Investments, Ltd’.

Delores’ astute business skills were always evident but never took priority over her devotion and support of Bill and their beloved only son, Nick. After Nick’s death at the too-young age of 40, Delores continued to find ways to commemorate Nick; he was never far from her thoughts until her last day.

Delores’ love of family extended to her assumed role as matriarch of the Stothers family after her mother’s death. She was a natural organizer and host; every family get-together was much anticipated by the larger family of her brother, sisters, many nieces, nephews, as well as various members of the Gallelli family. Delores inherited a love of good food and diverse culinary traditions from her mother, Jennie, but it was her love for Bill and Nick that inspired her efforts to learn and excel in Italian cooking. The Stothers family celebrated every possible event with an elaborate meal and décor. Delores’ celebrations with an Italian flair always presented a feast of which Bill and Nick were so proud.

Consistent with her sharp mind, card playing, and cribbage were favourite pastimes, and it was rare that anyone could gain advantage over Delores. She was fiercely competitive and had a unique and wonderful sense of humour with signature expressions.  She was an active participant in the work of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Bridgeland and she participated in many craft classes, especially needlepoint, and bridge clubs in the larger Calgary community.

Delores was a kind and generous family member and friend who helped many of her relatives over the years. She traveled with her brother Gordon and his wife, with her sisters and their families, and she enjoyed her special relationships with all of them. Delores lived her entire life in Calgary, close in all respects to her sisters. Delores and her two younger sisters, Joyce and Shirley, were in contact several times a day and shared a remarkable, vibrant relationship throughout her life.

Delores is survived by her youngest sister Shirley Black and many loving nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by all as a cornerstone of the family. Delores was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband Bill, beloved son Nick, brother Gordon Stothers, and sisters, Margaret Stothers, Edith Wells and Joyce Stalinski.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Those attending will be asked to provide valid government identification (with name and date of birth) AND confirm one of the following: (A)Provincial vaccine record with QR code (paper or digital); OR (B)negative COVID test (within 72 hours); or (C)valid medical exemption (signed letter); OR (D)under 12 years of age. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Nick Gallelli Memorial Scholarship Fund at The Calgary Foundation, or to the charity of their choice.

In living memory of Delores Gallelli, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.