Delores Skorheim Heyl

Delores Aleen Skorheim Heyl was born on May 20, 1920 in Canton, South Dakota. She grew up in the village of Klondike at the edge of the Sioux River. Delores peacefully left this earth on May 2, just shy of her 105th birthday. She was a resident of Pacific Grove for over 60 years.

Delores was a second-generation Norwegian, born in 1920—the very year women gained the right to vote. From the very beginning, she was part of a generation of trailblazers. She became one herself.

Delores was the first in her family to go to college, attending Augustana College and later University of Iowa where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. This began a forty-year career in nursing. Eventually she became an oncology nurse at Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula (Chomp). Later she taught at Pacific Grove Adult School. Delores was an active member of Saint Timothy’s Lutheran Church and served on the church council. She worked hard, cared deeply, and quietly paved the way for women who came after her.

Over her 104 years, she lived through so much—times of hardship, loss, and change—but also joy, family, and love. She faced every chapter with grace, strength, and a kind heart.

Delores was thoughtful and warm—someone who always made time for friends and family. Her home was always tidy, her letters always thoughtful, and her love always steady. She was an avid reader, and she had a quiet wisdom that made you want to listen just a little longer when she spoke.

A poem that had been passed down from her mother perfectly reflects the life she lived:

May life always lead you in pleasant ways

May dear friends be close to you all of your days

May you like the work that is yours to do

May your purse always hold a coin or two

May love fill your life

A smile light your face

May the world where you dwell be a wonderful place

When asked if she would change anything about her life, she simply said, “Not a thing.”

Her parent,s Albert and Lorna Skorheim, and husband, Leith, predeceased her. Delores is survived by her two children, Susan Tyler and Michael Heyl; three grandchildren, Jocelyn Tyler, Megan Gundle and Zachary Tyler; and four great grandchildren, Sofia Feisee, Lucas Feisee, Robert Gundle and Deacon Gundle.