Delores "DeeDee" Barbara Galas

Delores Barbara Galas died peacefully at her home, Copperfield Hill in Robbinsdale on Valentine's Day, February 14th surrounded by the love of family and friends. DeeDee, as she was affectionately known, was preceded in death by her parents Matthew & Eva Schmidt, five brothers and four sisters, by her loving husband Donald Bernard Galas, his parents Stanley & Sophie, Donald's sister Audrey Galas Puchtel and her husband Theodore Puchtel.

Dee was born in Mandan, North Dakota and grew up on her parent's farm near Fallon. Her father wanted her to have a good high school education and sent Dee to back to Mandan where she lived with a wealthy family while working as a nanny.

After graduating high school Dee moved to Minneapolis to attend school to become a flight attendant. During that time, she met her future husband, Don Galas, on a blind date. The story goes that Don, ever the competitor, was over four hours late for their second date. He was playing cribbage with a friend and lost track of the time. Despite this misstep, they were married in 1957. They went on to have 4 children and while they were growing, Dee was active at Saint Bridget's church & grade school. Dee was an incredible cook and worked at the Minneapolis Women's club for decades. She also had her own catering business.

Dee always said that Don was the one and only true love of her life. When he died in 1989, it was an incredible loss. But, true to her nature, she carried on. She had a wonderful retirement in Florida where she spent winters and enjoyed going on over a dozen cruises. She also took many trips to Branson, Missouri.

DeeDee was deeply loved by so many who were graced to be in her orbit. With a sense of humor that rivaled any 13-year-old boy’s, she enjoyed telling a joke and weaving a story. She loved to laugh. And her's was infectious. Matching her larger-than-life personality, Dee was fond of jewelry, the color pink, and almost anything that glittered. She loved butterflies - even getting a butterfly tattoo in her 70s. She was a long-time collector of Mardi Gras beads...even when it wasn't Mardi Gras. She enjoyed collecting everything you could imagine. It was, however, always with the intent to give it away to someone she loved. There were times when the supply exceeded the demand, but it was her generous heart that motivated her.

She defied age and continued her love of FUN until the end of life. Many of the aides and friends said that she brought so much life and energy to Copperfield. And "you just never knew what she was going to say next". In her first few months there she was voted "Queen of Copperfield" and participated in the Robbinsdale parade. She referred to herself and one of her best friends, Princess Diane, as the "wild girls". She enjoyed country music and dancing - often quoting one of her favorite songs "God is great. Beer is good, and people are crazy".

Dee frequently said, "Don't grow old." Perhaps what she meant was don't lose the ability to laugh and have fun. With a smile in her eyes she would say that some people have forgotten how to have fun. She never forgot.

So put on something pink and lots of jewelry, and go out and have fun in memory of our Queen.

Dee is survived by her children Anthony Galas (Joyce Touchette), Pam Galas (Mike Roberts), Nancy Galas, Mike Galas (former wife Dawn Galas), and grandsons Brandon and Brady. The family wishes to thank the wonderful people at Copperfield Hill and Interim Hospice team who so lovingly cared for our DeeDee.

Join us to celebrate Delores' life on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Kapala-Glodek-Malone Funeral Home, 7800 Bass Lake Rd, New Hope. Visitation at 10 am and service at 11 am.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Galas family.