Muriel Bell, 77, of Fort Frances, Ont. passed away in the early morning hours of Friday March 20th, 2015 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont. Surrounded by family, and with her granddaughter, Registered Nurse Jody Tessier by her side throughout, her passing was peaceful.
Muriel was born on May 2nd, 1937 in Macklin, Saskatchewan to Domase and Viva Mae Grouette.
She spent her early years in Saskatchewan, a place she loved, until moving to Fort Frances at the age of seven with her parents and three sisters, Myrtle, Marjorie and Matilda. Fort Frances was Domase’s home town.
Muriel attended St Mary’s School in Fort Frances, and then Fort Frances High School. It was during her high school years that she met a handsome young man by the name of Charlie Bell. After a short courtship Muriel and Charlie married and made their home in the east end of Fort Frances. Their family grew quickly, as Robbie, Debbie, Linda, Patti and Penny arrived to keep Muriel and Charlie busy! As the children grew Muriel enjoyed their company, keeping a fi rm hand on the reins (peas were very good for you and making beds was not an optional endeavor!) She found time to be a Brownie leader, an active bowler, a wonderful fl ower gardener, and later when the children were older she contributed her kitchen talents to local eateries like the Royal and Hilltop Restaurants, and Stedman’s Lunch Bar. Soon after she began work at La Verendrye Hospital where she enjoyed a lengthy career as a Dietary Assistant.
As her children became adults, and since all resided in Fort Frances, they would return home to visit most Saturday mornings, often with grandchildren or friends in tow, to enjoy coffee, goodies and conversation at Muriel and Charlie’s home. It was a time of great family camaraderie and Muriel looked forward to those occasions as family always was the most important part of her life.
Muriel is survived by her sister Marjorie Morneau, son Robert (Wendy) Bell, daughters Debbie (Neil) Thorpe, Linda (Al) Kaczorek, Patti (Kim) Roy and Penny (John) Pierce; grandchildren Wade (Jody) Thorpe, Andrew Thorpe, Amy (John) Falloon, Jody (Jason) Tessier, Amanda (Steve) MacFarlane, Roland Roy, Melanie (David) Pollard, David Pierce and Lauren (Zach) Pierce, along with great grandchildren Marin and Charlie Thorpe, Anthony, Matthew and James Falloon, Dylan and Kali Tessier, Peyton MacFarlane, Brenna Pollard, numerous nieces and nephews, and in-laws Judy and Bob Burgstahler.
Muriel was predeceased by her parents Domase and Viva Mae, in-laws Wilfred and Gwen Bell, husband Charlie Bell, sister Myrtle and her husband Al Salmonson, sister Matilda Selman, and brother-in-law Emil Morneau.
As per Muriel’s wishes, a funeral service will not be held, with a private family interment at a later date. Should you wish to make an in memoriam donation in her name, you can do so to the Charity of your own choice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
