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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BELL, Mary Elizabeth (née CAMPBELL) - It is with immense sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Mary Bell, in the early hours of the morning on January 21, 2026, at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre. Mary was preceded by her husband of 63 years, Norman Bell. She is survived by her children, Catherine (Edward) and Thomas; her adored grandchildren, Lara (Ethan), Kelly (Kelvin), Connor (Gemma), Graham (Jean), Courtney (Kateryna), Adam, Patrick (Jess); and her great-grandchildren, Hazel, Axton, Corbin and Angus.
Mary was born in Saskatchewan and moved to Ontario in 1942. She served as a Postal Clerk during WWII with the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS), making lifelong friends, playing an essential role in the war effort, and paving the way for equality for women in military service. After the war, she worked at the Yellow Pages and for Bell Telephone as an engineering clerk.
She met Norm at a bowling alley in Toronto in 1953, and his work brought them across Canada and the world, living in Geraldton and Saudi Arabia, before they settled just north of Barrie.
Mary had an ardent green thumb, and we will never forget those sweet summer days with California poppies blooming between the rocks of her garden, as we ate her homemade applesauce by the gallon. She was a tough woman and probably never complained once in her long 101-year lifespan.
She was a great lover of animals but, more tellingly, animals loved her - especially the many pups she cared for through the years.
Heartfelt thanks go to the staff at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre who cared for Mary for over four years before she passed away. No service will be held, at Mary's advance wishes, but we will be planning a Celebration of Life when the weather is nicer and the poppies are blooming. (The Toronto Star 11 Feb 2026)
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