Catherine Bell

October 3, 1930 – August 20, 2021

This Service was LIVE at 2pm on Aug 28, 2021

~ Slideshow ~

~ Obituary ~

Born October 3, 1930 as the eldest of seven, Kay began her life of caring early, which continued throughout her 90 years. Many remember Kay for her practical wisdom, wit and for always having an open table for all who came.

Preceded by her father Joseph, mother Rose, sister Sandy, and three babies: Michael, Timothy, and Stephen; Kay is survived by her children John, Marilyn, Naomi, Deborah, Te Mah Te Nah, Richard, Joanne, Gregory, Robert and Florie; their spouses and 50 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Kay successfully pursued many different roles in life, from managing the thriving Sears Catalogue office in Stony Plain, to a real estate agent, to returning to school for her GED at age 65 to then become a certified optician assistant, and finally concluding her professional career as a motel manager.

Throughout her life, Kay was deeply committed to community serving as a councilperson, sitting on many committees and boards, even being a hockey coach amongst her copious volunteer activities. Add to all this, her quest for an adventurous life included being a talented and unique artist, gardener supreme, world traveller, prolific reader and avid watcher of sports and world events.

It is our privilege to share that Kay’s estate will be used to create the Kay Bell Bursary designated for low-income women interested in accessing further education.

Kay was a deeply spiritual woman with an enduring faith and commitment to God. It is in His son’s light that she will rest in peace.

Acknowledgements

Our family thanks the entire care team at the Centennial Centre for Geriatric Care in Ponoka for their professionalism and compassion in caring for Kay. Many of the staff shared glimpses of their Covid lockdown time with Kay making us laugh, re-familiarizing us with her essence, and providing us comfort in knowing she was loved. Her ten children are grateful for being with her in the final weeks, and we are at peace with her passing.

“Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.” 

“Of life’s two chief prizes, beauty and truth, I found the first in a loving heart and the second in a laborer’s hand.” 

Kahlil Gibran

~ Personal Messages ~

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Ron and Lorraine Lutz wrote on September 1, 2021
Kay was a hard working, resourceful lady who leaves a beautiful legacy for her family who were such an important part of her life. We extend our sympathy to them for their loss.
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Marrian Bertin wrote on August 30, 2021
Kay was a neighbor; she was a friend. Never had better of either. Missed her when she moved to BC and I will be missing her even more. Hope those scientists work it out so we can bring back that kind of person when we need them....
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Herb & Donna Reinhart wrote on August 29, 2021
To Kay's family.
A lovely eulogy to honor your mom and a special service. We always enjoyed a visit with Kay.
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Don Stecyk wrote on August 28, 2021
I don't remember our first meeting but I do remember always feeling welcome in her home. I still chuckle when I think about her sun tanning herself in our back yard in Saudi Arabia while we were chilly enough to wear a jacket. I enjoyed the conversations we had; may you rest in peace.
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Wazi Dlamini-Kapenda wrote on August 28, 2021
I so enjoyed our friendship very much. Will miss our worldly conversations and you take on the issues of the world. Rest in peace till we meet again. Love you always.
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Kim OReilly wrote on August 27, 2021
I remember Aunt Kay’s great sense of humor. I remember that when I would see her and talk to her it always felt like she was really listening to me, listening to what I was saying and
I did appreciate that. I can imagine Aunt Kay, my mom, and grandma and grandpa having a nice cup of tea together and playing a game of rummy and that is a good feeling.
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Mel O'Reilly wrote on August 27, 2021
I remember Meeting Kay and her family in Stony Plains many many rears ago and how well she received Sandy and I on our first visit from Whitehorse in the Yukon In our book she was a great person always pleasant to be with She will be missed .Will miss you KAY Thanks for the great moments I spent with you RISP
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Rose Mary (SSND) wrote on August 27, 2021
May I carry in my heart always the memory of one who walked life’s journey with creativity, courage and love. I can only image her amazement as she has taken that final step into the fullness of life eternal.
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Josephine Sane wrote on August 26, 2021
I will miss Kay - my sister and friend. As is said in Hamlet and sung in the Song for Athene, “May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
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