Del Williams

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Vivian Delmarie, most knew her as "Del," on January 21, 2025. 

Del's remarkable spirit live on through her beloved sons, Reid and Grayson, her former husband, Dave, her brother, Craig, and her soul sister, Carol. She also leaves behind a vast community of friends and extended family members whose lives she touched across various walks of life. Del was predeceased by her parents, Franklin and Vivian Foley, and her sister, Laurie.

Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Del took great pride in her prairie roots, which she called home throughout her life. She graduated from the University of Saskatchewan where her quiet intelligence and natural aptitude for learning allowed her to achieve top marks while managing multiple jobs.

Del's career in social work began at Kilburn Hall, where she supported several youth. Her journey then united her with her best friend, Carol, in what might have been the most enviable counselling office space imaginable—above the Broadway Theatre in Saskatoon. The smell of fresh popcorn was a constant companion, and any visit to her office often meant leaving with a bag (or two). During this time, she served as a school counsellor for several rural schools.

It was through her creation of Youth Launch that she truly captured her heart and soul. With unwavering determination, she partnered with organizations and secured government grants to uplift underprivileged youth across Canada. Through inspiring conferences, she brought education, support, and a sense of possibility to communities and minorities who needed it most. Recently, Del was described as a “force for human actualization,” for her work with the Youth in Care Network and that description is a true fit. This was more than a career—it was her calling, and she gave it everything she had, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and empowerment.

Del found her greatest joys in the embrace of nature. Always quick to laugh and deeply valued her family, friends, and community. Curious and creative, she was a true fashionista, whether she was styling her own wardrobe or curating a custom clothing line for her boys. She also possessed a stellar eye for design and decorating, infusing beauty and style into every space she touched.

Her free time was often spent immersed in her garden—coaxing petunias into a rainbow of colour or harvesting veggies for her next culinary masterpiece. Her boys were drafted as sous-chefs at an early age chopping, stirring, and taste-testing right by her side. A gifted menu curator, she turned Sunday dinners into gourmet events; her soups so legendary, Dave used them as office currency.

Music permeated every aspect of Del's life, blending seamlessly with her other passions. Whether she was listening to the soulful tunes of Tracy Chapman while pickling and unexpectedly going into labor or sharing her beautiful voice at karaoke nights and campfire jam sessions, music always set the scene.

The beach was Del’s ultimate sanctuary. From the Baja to Belize or Turtle Lake (her cherished second home) she never met a shoreline she didn’t love. Settling into the sand with a book in hand, Del was in her element. Her life was a rich tapestry woven with gardening gloves, a trusty All-Clad pan on a gas stove, or a well-thumbed paperback novel.

Del poured herself into every passion, gifting us with memories as comforting as her borscht and as warm as a summers day at Turtle. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on forever.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre and the Palliative Care Unit at Regina’s Pasqua Hospital for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Regina’s Palliative Care Unit or a charity supporting youth initiatives.

In accordance with her wishes, no formal funeral service will be held.