I was saddened today by the news of the passing of one of my former co-workers. Dell Warner was the senior reporter at WDIV when I worked there. Through life, there are people who just leave a mark on you because of who they are.
Dell died Wednesday after a battle with cancer. If there was a fighter out there would could have fought off the disease, it was Dell.
It’s hard to say something about a woman who’s life speaks for itself. She sang on Broadway with Ethel Merman. She would talk about how she knew Tony Bennett.
In 1990, WDIV, Local 4 hired her for “Coming of Age,” a regular feature on senior issues. This is how I first came in contact with Dell. I was hired at WDIV to be the noon newscast producer. She was one of the first people I met. She made an effort to make sure I knew who she was and what she did at the station.
Dell treated everyone at the station like one of her own children. She was quick to praise you for something but if you did something wrong, you could rest assured she was going to be at your desk telling you about it. The Detroit Free Press echoed my sentiments in their article about her life saying “At Channel 4, Ms. Warner sought out younger and inexperienced colleagues. She was generous with both criticism and encouragement.”
She may not have always had the best timing when she came to talk to you but no matter how busy you were, you always felt like you needed to stop and talk with her. In a Detroit News article, she told Neil Rubin, “I don’t mind being 84,” she says. “What I don’t like is being ignored.” There was no ignoring Dell. You couldn’t. Rubin painted the perfect picture of Dell in his article. “The woman who once invited cameras to document her face-lift has put herself together: a reddish fall filling out her hairdo, pale green pantsuit, clunky amber necklace with matching earrings. That was Dell.
She was passionate about her reports. She’d tell you how she’d gotten a call from a woman who’d seen her story and went to the doctor only to be treated for the disease that was the subject of her report. She’s post phone numbers around the newsroom so that when people would call, and they did, you would have the information for them.
I remember a couple of times when her stories didn’t air, because of breaking news, she’d be upset but understanding. I’d tell her, “Dell, we’ll run the story tomorrow.” She’d say “You always take great care of me.” I know I did but it was only returning the caring she paid me.
She gave me two glass bowls over three years I knew her and they are still sitting in my living room. So in a way, a woman I knew for only three years will stay with me and I will always treasure those gifts from her.
If you knew Dell, you’re happier for having known her. For people who weren’t as lucky, I wish you could have seen the energy, happiness, caring, spunk, fiestiness and talent she had.
She’ll be missed by many people but remembered by them all.
[thanks to the Detroit News, Free Press & WDIV for some of the information contained in this entry. I hope I’ve helped remember her in the best way possible.]
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady, Taawd.
I, too, wrote an article about Dell about two weeks before her passing; it was never published in time…
Unique, robust, outgoing, energetic, inspiring, a bit sad, simply beautiful (from the inside out)…these are just a few adjectives to describe a remarkable woman I am so privileged to call my friend…Ms. Dell Warner.
(BACKGROUND):
I met Dell while I was volunteering giving free manicures at the Teitel Jewish Apartments in Oak Park, an assisted living high-rise facility to the senior citizens. Dell (very enthusiastically I might add) came over to the table I was working at and struck up a conversation. I immediately recognized this woman as the producer for WDIV Channel 4 “Coming of Age” program. She was a celebrity who was coming over to talk to me! I truly felt honored. I advised Dell I recognized her and she was very modest and wanted no credit for her accomplishments as a wonderful producer. Dell wanted to talk to me about my life and why I did volunteer work and did not want to talk about herself. We spoke for hours that day and ever since…we have become friends.
This article is being written as a follow-up to an article I wrote several years ago that I was fortunate enough to have published by the Jewish News. The article was about cherishing your loved ones and telling them how much they mean to you before it’s too late. I could not think of a more special person (whom I have not told yet in so many words but I have told) how much I appreciate her and admire her and love her. Dell has taught me so much, I cannot begin to describe it in this short article. This amazing lady goes out of her way to make a difference. She expects no credit for same. Dell has fourth stage cancer. She is 84 years young. She does not dwell on the cancer but, instead, purposely pushes herself to make a difference and gives all she can. For example, recently, Dell embarked on a huge project. She put on THE most incredible art show at the Teitel Jewish Apartments. Dell initiated this gigantic feat by herself and at times, despite the exceptionally frustrating and troubling things that arose along the way, Dell never gave up. She started this art exhibit and she was going to finish same no matter what crossed her path.
Dell finished this art exhibit and it was truly incredible. The residents of the Teitel Jewish Apartments (and outsiders) had never seen such a display. They loved it! Again, Dell never gave up. This is the woman I admire. Dell never got any real credit for this enormous project but a little article written by a local paper. She never asked for anything as well.
On Christmas day, I was fortunate enough to visit the residents of the Teitel Jewish Apartments where I gave the fr ee manicures to the senior citizens. Dell sat next to me, right by my side, and we commiserated that morning/afternoon. We talked about many things yet I sensed Dell was in pain due to her cancer. She never once complained. Instead, she tormented me (lovingly, of course) about the style of my hair (or lack of!), the color of my lipstick (or lack of!) and a few other unmentionables. She then told me what a wonderful person I was and how proud my parents must be. The truth is, Dell Warner is the special person; one who people look up to, admire and use as a role model. Dell doesn’t realize this, but maybe after reading this article, she will. There is one person out there who thinks SHE is an amazing woman; a beautiful person (inside and out) who says it like it is, means it, and most importantly, truly makes a difference. This woman shines such a bright light in an otherwise sometimes dull atmosphere. She lights up a room just by walking in it. Her personality (while at times a bit overwhelming!)20is one-of-a-kind.
I am so lucky to call Dell Warner my friend and I can only hope she knows how much she means to me. To follow my own advice, I let Dell know how much she means to me and how special she is. She doesn’t need this article to reinforce same but I can guarantee as Ms. Warner read this, through the tears, she will know. I love you Dell.