Dale Kathleen Klassen

It is with extreme sorrow that we, the family, share the loss of Dale Kathleen Klassen (nee Gall). The strongest person we know and the best wife, mother, grandma, mother-in-law, daughter, sister, adventurer, friend and confidant that any of us could have hoped for. Dale is survived and lovingly remembered by her true love and husband of 45 years William Klassen, her daughters Beth (son-in-law Greg and grandchildren Amelia, Elliot and Hattie) and Emily (son-in-law Xavi and grandchildren Noa and Jake) and her baby boy John (daughter-in-law Nicole). Also left to mourn her passing are her sister Laurel Harrison and a large circle of extended family and friends. Dale was predeceased by her eldest son Ian in 2008, her niece Katherine, her nephew David and her parents. We are comforted that she will now be with Ian.

Dale was born on December 12th, 1947 to William and Marjorie Gall. Dale's childhood was spent loving school life at SMA, enjoying time at Matlock in the summers and vacationing with her family. It is during these years that she developed a love for adventure and travel.

A graduate of St Mary's Academy (SMA ‘65) and Winnipeg General Hospital School of Nursing, Dale figured out early in life that her passion was taking care of others. She started her career at Health Sciences Center in the neonatal intensive care unit helping babies who entered the world too soon and worked with WRHA for 20 years before retiring in 2011. Dale cared for others. She was an amazing nurse that made life brighter for each and every patient she cared for. She would have treated them with an unparalleled level of kindness and compassion.

Dale met William in 1965 wearing a gorgeous pair of rubber boots and William won her heart with a signature move only shared with family. Together they created the best family. Dale loved life and patiently taught her family how to do the same. She embraced each moment and was always ready for adventure - theatre, new restaurants, dinner at 43 (everyone's favorite), sports with her boys, spa dates with her girls, and anything and everything that would make her family happy. Travel was her favorite activity and her favorite destination was Barcelona to see her daughter and family. (Schneckens!).

Dale continued to care for others in retirement. She was the most amazing gamma/yaya and gave her five precious grandchildren the best start in life. She also made life brighter for people at Cancercare where she volunteered once a week. As was her way, each day of retirement was embraced and lived to the fullest.

A celebration of Dale's life will be held at Churchill Park United Church, 525 Beresford Avenue on Wednesday, January 28th at 1:00 PM. A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Academy Foundation, St Mary's Academy, 550 Wellington Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3M 0B9 where a bursary in Dale’s memory will be created. We will try to live life as you taught us mama. We are so proud to be your family. I love you sweetheart, you are beautiful.