Leonora P. (Dalzell) Gelder passed away April 20, 2018, at her home in Chehalis, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to James and Josephine (Longtin) Dalzell May 15, 1930, in Grand Forks, N.D.
Leonora was a beloved wife to her husband, Cecil and a beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. She resided in Chehalis for 50 years, spending the past year at Chehalis West Assisted Living.
She grew up on the family farm in Walhalla, N.D. Leonora graduated from St. James Academy in Grand Forks, N.D., where she worked her way through by working as a nanny for the athletic director of the University of North Dakota.
Leonora and Cecil were married Oct. 23, 1948, at St. Joseph’s Church in Leroy, N.D., and were married for 61 years. She reminisced about their trip to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Aug. 13, 1948, to purchase an engagement ring. Leonora and Cecil enjoyed dancing, playing cards, spending time at the beach and taking cross country trips in their RV. They especially enjoyed their cruise to Alaska.
Leonora was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Chehalis, the Chehalis Eagles and the American Legion. She sold Avon and worked at Mode O’Day in Chehalis. Leonora always stopped to say ‘hi’ to anybody she knew.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil; parents; sister, Annie; brothers, Clarence, Ervin, Vernon, Donald and Warren; and daughters-in-law, Diane, Lisa and Jeanie.
Leonora is lovingly remembered by her nine children, Mike (Sheri), Leonard (Dorthea), Tim, Leland, Sheila, Gary (Jodi), Cindy (David) Hansen, Teri (Mike) Smith and Jerry (Susanne). She is also survived by her 16 grandchildren, Matthew (Samantha), Chris (Angie), Charlie, Brianna (Dave), Caleb (Gracia), Grace, Nicholas, Marcus, Anthony, Zachary (Gloria), Adam (Jill), Anastasia (Chris), Sarah, Ashley (Troy), Josh and Cassie; 11 great-grandchildren, Justin (Taylor), Jared, Bailey, Logan, Isaiah, Ava, Dylan, Adam Jr. (AJ), Liam, Evelyn and another on the way, Rebecca; her twin brother, Leonard; sister-in-law, Nelda; and her brother-in-law, John; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, April 26, 2018, at Sticklin Funeral Chapel in Centralia. A rosary will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 27, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Chehalis, followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Claquato Cemetery, with a reception immediately following at the Chehalis Eagles.
In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made to a charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank Chehalis West Assisted Living and Assured Health Hospice for all their love and care.
