1928 – 2021
Mrs. Delta May Bristow passed away peacefully at home, with the love of her family forever around her, on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at the age of 93 years. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandma, and great grandma.
Delta was born May 22, 1928, to Cecile and Christena Robinson in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario. Delta was the second eldest of seven children, Dorothy, (Delta), Audrey, Herb, Glady, Laurine and Patricia. The family moved to Parry Sound, Ontario when Delta was seven years old, growing up on the Georgian Bay. Delta, her sisters and her brother enjoyed many hours skating on the pond behind the house her dad, Cecile built, swimming and boating on the Georgian Bay, and helping with the many chores being an older sibling.
Delta began working at the age of fourteen, delivering Telegrams for the Canadian National, and riding her bike everywhere to deliver them in Parry Sound. At the age of sixteen, Delta moved away to Toronto, to work for Canadian National, as a Teletype Operator. She lived at the YWCA. It was in Toronto, she met the love of her life, John Bristow on a blind date in August 1953. They were married January 7, 1955, and they spent the next several years travelling and living in Italy and France, where John was then working for CalTex. Ronald was born in 1956 and Douglas in 1957. John accepted the position of Manager at the Shell Canada, Innisfail Gas Plant in 1959. John and Delta built the family home and moved their young family to Innisfail in 1960. Carol Ann arrived in 1962 and Byron in 1965. Their family was complete. Mom was fortunate enough to be able to stay at home. Coming home from school and activities, and having mom at home was a highlight of our days. Delta loved nothing more than being involved and supporting her children in all their sports, and having kids over to the house and the yard.
Delta was a proud member of Branch No. 104 Legion Ladies Auxiliary, volunteering and taking part in many activities. The Innisfail United Church was especially important and dear to mom. She missed being able to go services when her health declined. Delta and John enjoyed their beautiful yard and home for sixty-one years, and it meant the world to them to be able to stay there until their passing. Delta loved entertaining family and friends over the years, and cooking wonderful meals. Nothing made mom happier than having all her children and grandchildren at our family home. Delta and John loved their annual trips home to Parry Sound, to be with her mom, Christena, who lived to 102 years, her sisters, and her only brother and their families. Spending time on the Georgian Bay and Perry Island, at the cottages. Trips to Arizona to escape the winter months were always fun. Spending time in Edmonton and Pigeon Lake with the Bristow families over the years was special to Delta and John, as well.
Delta will be lovingly remembered and held close in the hearts of her children, Ron (Barb) Bristow, Doug (Jacqueline) Bristow, Carol Ann (Darcy) Stoyberg and Byron Bristow; her eight grandchildren, Brandon (Jacquelyn) Bristow, Shawn (Nicole) Bristow, Tristan, Jonathan (Yvette) and Shannon Bristow, Reid (Kate) and Dana Stoyberg and Dillon Bristow; and her six great grandchildren, Nolan, Blake, Carson, Kamdon, Sylvia Delta and Nora Rose. She will be sadly missed by her sisters, Audrey, Glady, Laurine (Bill) and Patricia and her brother, Herb Robinson. She has too many nieces and nephews to mention, but they all held a special place in Auntie Delta’s heart.
Delta was predeceased by her loving husband, John on July 24, 2021, and a sister, Dorothy. We are heartbroken with the loss of our beautiful mom and grandma, but so very thankful and blessed to have had mom to love, and share in our lives, for so many years. Thank you for showing us the value of family and true love. We are blessed.
A Celebration of Delta’s Life will be held in the spring of 2022. If desired, Memorial Donations in Delta’s honor may be made directly to the Innisfail Ski Club, Box 6060 - 59 St. Innisfail, Alberta T4G 1R8; Innisfail Minor Hockey, Box 6028, Innisfail, Alberta T4G 1S7 or to the Innisfail Figure Skating Club, Box 6061, Innisfail, Alberta, T4G 1S7. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd. 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006 Fax: 403.227.6437
