Wilma Leona Dellefield

April 22, 1928 – December 25, 2023

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Wilma Dellefield, who departed this world

December 25, 2023. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, loyal friend, devout

Catholic, and respected member of the community.

Wilma was born April 22, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, to William and Margaret Linnehan. The youngest of

four children, Wilma survived her brother John Joseph and sisters Margaret and Madelyn.

Almost from the moment she could walk and talk, Wilma exhibited the qualities by which she would be

known all 95 of her years on Earth: smart without showing off or using it against others; playful and

humorous in kind ways; and in the practice of her faith, pious, morally steadfast, and ardent.

Academically, from the start Wilma displayed a keen intellect. In time her dutiful effort to get high grades

and be a good person became a focused drive to explore her favorite subjects. Handling the extra load of

units and study time, Wilma graduated from Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa with a double major in

Math and Dramatic Arts.

It wasn’t all hard work, though. Wilma’s college friends, who remained close throughout the years, could

count on her to liven up double dates, weekend trips, and the occasional mid-week escape out her dorm

window to meet up with the gang.

After college Wilma married Richard Dellefield, a man who made her laugh, a man with whom she would

engage in deep discussions that lasted into the early morning, the man who would be at her side when

she expired this past Christmas morning, only months away from their 72nd anniversary.

Together Wilma and Richard brought five new people into the world—Karyn, Rick, Bobby, Bill and

Laura—who now happily remember a household enlivened by their parents’ sense of humor, reverence

for knowledge, obsession with music, drive for high achievement, devotion to faith, and taste for mischief.

This heritage has been passed further down to Wilma’s grandchildren: Bill Murray, Vanessa Zaman,

Rachel Costa, Rebecca Dellefield, Kevin Dellefield, and Alicia, Nick, and Jack Severson, who have

enjoyed firsthand over more than three decades their grandmother’s patience, subtle grace, and

playfulness.

Wilma’s dedication extended beyond her family to friendships with neighbors and fellow church members;

to the harp, which she took up later in life and ultimately played in church services, weddings, and for

family at Christmas; to dance (ballet as well as the jitterbug); to travel around the U.S., Mexico, and

Europe; and to creative projects like designing the pool, landscape, and interior décor of the house in

Orange and much of the home they built in Garner Valley.

Wilma left a valuable and indelible mark on this world, and her departure leaves behind a profound void in

the hearts of her family and friends.

May Wilma rest in eternal peace as her legacy of love and levity inspires generations to come.

A Rosary, Eulogies and Reception will be held Tuesday, January 23, 2024 from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Fairhaven Memorial; and, funeral service for Wilma will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at San Francisco Solano Catholic Church. Following the funeral service will be a graveside service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Ascension Catholic Cemetery. Addresses, details and Livestream Links below.