Derby, Delphine Margaret

Delphine Margaret Derby, 102, dearly-loved mother and grandmother, a resident of The Meth-Wick Community in Cedar Rapids, formerly of Dubuque, passed away Dec. 5, 2013, surrounded by her family.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Dubuque by the Rev. Steven J. Rosonke. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be before the Mass at church beginning at 9:30 a.m. Arrangements by Hoffmann-Schneider Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1640 Main St., Dubuque.

Delphine was born Jan. 22, 1911, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Michael and Elizabeth (Geimer) Betz. She married Lee J. Derby on May 14, 1930. He preceded her in death April 2, 1987.

Delphine was employed as a telephone operator before marriage and later worked at Sorbeau, a baby clothing store. She resided in her beloved hometown of Dubuque for 96 years where she cherished life with her husband, raised her four children, and enjoyed her days there with many dear friends. She later lived and made several friends at St. Mary's Apartments before moving to Cedar Rapids in November 2006, where she met and made new friends at The Meth-Wick Community.

Delphine was a sharp, witty, lovely, petite woman who enjoyed playing cards, reading, crossword puzzles, bingo, and visiting with family and friends. Some of her favorite things included cookies, candy, vanilla ice cream, the color pink, Christmas, and toasted cheese sandwiches. She fondly recalled her children's younger years and her vacations with her husband as the best times of her life.

She was admired by many and will be greatly missed by those whose life she touched.

Survivors include her daughter, Beverly (John) Henkel of Davenport; her daughter-in-law, Jean (William) Derby of Cedar Rapids; 28 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Delphine was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Florine Ebner; her loving husband of 57 years, Lee Derby; sons, Lee Derby and William Derby; daughter, Janaan Fink; and grandchildren, John and Diana Henkel and Nicholas Fink.

Our family would like to thank the staff at Meth-Wick Manor and The Woodlands for taking such good care of Delphine and attending to her needs while she resided in the community. She and her family truly appreciated how dedicated, professional, friendly and sincere the staff was during her seven-year stay.

Online condolences may be left for the family at .

Published Dec. 8, 2013 in The Gazette