DONNA MARIE BELL

DONNA MARIE BELL July 19, 1930 – February 6, 2023 On February 6, 2023, in her 93rd year, Donna made the final journey to be with her beloved husband Tom. Born July 19, 1930, on a farm near Palmerston, Ontario, she was the oldest of six children of Almer and Leta Hughes. As a young teacher in a one-room schoolhouse, she met and married Tom, who was a teacher at the local high school. Their life journey took them from farm life in Palmerston, to wonderful years in New Liskeard and Sault Ste. Marie with their four children appearing along the way. Many wonderful hours were spent cross-country skiing, playing bridge, quilting and contributing to the life of St. Andrew’s United Church. When Tom retired, the dream of moving back to a farm came true with the move to Dayton near the family cottages. Here her quilting talents were honed and her musical abilities shone as she played the organ and led the choir at the Iron Bridge United Church. Many memories were made at the farm and the cottage, where afternoon swims were mandatory. The farmhouse was like Grand Central Station, a perpetual drop-in centre for friends, neighbours and relatives, who could always count on being very well-fed by Donna. Following the loss of Tom in 2002, and as her hearing declined, Donna moved to Gore Bay to be closer to son Brian. Full circle brought her back to her final home in Guelph near daughter Brenda as dementia took its toll. Happy to the end, she continued to sing the old songs and smile her smile. Predeceased by husband Tom, and siblings Margaret Burrell, Garfield Hughes and Shirley Ziegler. Survived by two sisters, Lorna Hutchison and Mildred Fair; and her four children Barb Kucherka of Thunder Bay, Bob Bell (Irina Kuslya) of Ancaster, Brian Bell (Mary) of Gore Bay and Brenda Szikora (Steve) of Guelph. Eight much-loved grandchildren: Sarah Kerton (Chris Houle), Emily Kerton (Matt Roy), Candace Bell, Trevor Bell, Everett Bell (Tiffany) and Laura Bell (Cameron Toy), Caitlin Szikora and Erin Szikora (Caleb Labbe Phelan). Four great-grandchildren: Jude and Ruby Houle, Emmitt Roy and Fern Toy. A special thanks to the three homes in Guelph that Donna progressed through as her needs for care increased: Guelph Lake Commons, Stone Lodge, and in particular The Village of Riverside Glen, for the compassionate and kind care that she received. An extra special thanks to an extra special person, Alanah Kelly, the recreation activity coordinator at Riverside Glen who Donna considered to be her best friend. Cremation has occurred and a memorial service and burial will take place in Iron Bridge at a date to be determined. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, the Sunnybrook Foundation (Hearing Aid Centre) or to a charity of your choice.