Obituaries

DEL SHERMAN
MAY 6, 1940 – JULY 23, 2026

It is with great sadness that the family of Adele (Del) Sherman announces her passing, peacefully after a lengthy illness.

She was predeceased by her husband, Peter Edward, grandson Jordan Polanski, daughter Cori Polanski, son Peter Arthur, and Jack Dierckens, with whom she shared her life in the years following the passing of their spouses. She is survived by sons Mark and Jeff (Janine), son-in-law Ken Polanski, and daughter-in-law Julie Hawkins. She also leaves to mourn her grandchildren, Dean, Delaney, Deandra Sherman (Paul), Hayley Hart-Schofield (Ross) and Trevor Sherman (Nikki), Jadrien, Matthew and Peter Roger Sherman (Cassie), Everett (Julia) and Sullivan (Reagan) Polanski, great-grandchildren Drake, Tessa, Shane and Sloane, her nieces, nephews and their families.

Del was born in Winnipeg to Gladys and Clifford Walker. As an only-child of two only-children, she always said she became very good at entertaining herself. Growing up on Minto Street she often played near the Minto Armoury and loved to march alongside the marching band when they were out practicing. The band would wait for her to join when they saw her coming.

The family moved to Fort Whyte in the 1950’s where they owned Walker’s Chip Stand and the Fort Whyte Dance Hall, with Cliff’s parents. Del’s father was a musician and played in the band, while Del’s mother ran the restaurant. Del would often be seen behind the counter helping out and serving milkshakes. The family also loved spending time at their fishing cottage at Bird River.

Del met Peter Sherman, from Oak Bluff, who worked at Canada Cement located down the road from Walker’s Chip Stand, and they were married in 1958. Del was thrilled to no longer be an only-child as she joined the large Sherman family: Peter’s five sisters and their families, and his father. Peter and Del raised their four children in the original Sherman farmhouse in Oak Bluff until 1967, when they moved their family into Fort Garry. In their retirement years, Peter and Del returned to live on the farm in Oak Bluff once again.

Del was actively involved in the Fort Garry community, when her children were young, including running the canteen at the local Victoria Community Club. She was a hockey mom, known for shuttling lots of kids to sporting activities around the city. Del was a long-time active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in St. Norbert. She enjoyed curling and was often seen at the Pembina Curling Club and going to out-of-town bonspiels with friends. Right into her 80’s, she was a long-time member of a ladies bowling team at Academy Lanes.

She was a nature-lover and known for rescuing many birds and creatures over the years, including a pet raccoon that she brought home, in the palm of her hand, to her children. The raccoon later made a television appearance on Archie and His Friends due to his charming personality. Del loved fishing and hunting – she was known to be quite a good shot – and spending time at the family cottage in Albert Beach.

Del was deeply loved for being a devoted mother of her four children and their families. She was happiest surrounded by the chaos of large gatherings of family and friends, and was famous for serving her fabulous cabbage roles, Swedish meatballs, potato salad, green tomato pickle, among many other family favourites. She was always quick to laugh and ready to join in the fun. She was a great friend to many and carried her happy and positive outlook throughout her life. She will be missed by all who have known her.

The family would like to thank Del’s family doctor Sheldon Permack and his team for many years of care, and the wonderful community at The Boulton which gave Del two more years of enjoyment in living at at time when she thought things would never be the same again. Our heartfelt thanks to the many dedicated professionals at CancerCare Manitoba for their efforts throughout her illness; to the special people at Home Care who managed her transition to palliative care; and to the expert teams at The Riverview Health Center and The Simkin Center, who supported and cared for Del with so much compassion and empathy during her last months. As her family, we simply could not have asked for more from all of these skilled and caring individuals – thank you.

In keeping with Del’s wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no service. Donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, The Saul and Claribel Simkin Center, or a charity of your choosing.