Obituary of Nellie Marguerite Bell

BELL, Nellie Marguerite (nee Thompson) 1905 - 2008 Nellie Bell passed away peacefully at Parkside Extendicare on February 19, 2008 at age 102. Nellie was born July 16, 1905 at Broadfields farm S21-T18-R22-W2 north of Pense, NWT. She was predeceased by her parents, Wellington Thompson and Ethel Mae (Rea); her husband of 44 years, John William (Bill) Bell in 1977; younger sisters, Mae Riome (1997), Irene Roney (2007) and Eva Toderan (2006). She is survived by daughters Noreen (Rev. Welby) Walker, Surrey, BC; Edythe Bell, Regina; Wilma (David) Wessel, Regina; grandsons Graham (Colleen) Walker, Brent Walker, and Brian, Nathan and Cary Wessel; granddaughter Denise (Mohan) Teekasingh; six great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Dorothy Bell; and several nieces, nephews and relatives. Church and family were central to her life. She joined Forest Presbyterian (later United) Church in 1915 and there enjoyed the choir and Women's Missionary Society. Primary education was at Cottonwood School, secondary education at Regina College and Paragon Business College. While at college, she joined Westminster United Sunday School and C.G.I.T. and remained affiliated there until her death. She was an honorary life member of the Orange Benevolent Society. Her church, lodge and musical activities of her daughters provided deep enjoyment and spiritual inspiration. After Bill's death in 1977, she moved to The Heritage Apts where she lived for 24 years and then to Parkside Extendicare at age 96. In 2005, she received the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, and with donations from family and friends at her 100th birthday celebration established the Nellie M. Bell Centennial Bursary for young students at the Conservatory of Performing Arts. Her activities were hampered by glaucoma and arthritis, but she maintained her sense of humour and cheerfulness to the end. The family wishes to thank Dr. S. Bester for his excellent long term care. We also would express our appreciation and sincere gratitude to all the Parkside staff who treated her (and her daughters) with much love and attention. A memorial service followed by reception will take place at Westminster United Church at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 23 with Rev. Alan Schooley and Rev. Wayne Knouse officiating. Cremation. Interment at a later date at Regina Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully received by: Westminster United Church Organ Fund, 3025 -13th Avenue, Regina, SK S4T 1P1 or the Nellie M. Bell Bursary Fund, addressed to Conservatory of Performing Arts, University of Regina, S4S 0A2. An online book of condolence may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com