Delores BELL

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BELL: Delores Arlene Bell (Murdoch) formerly Gollan and beloved wife of Bert Bell died at the Assiniboine Centre, Brandon on July 20, 2012 after a valiant fight to recover from multiple strokes. Born on May 10, 1932 in Windsor, N.S. as Delores Mae Foley-Smith, daughter to Norman Foley and Annie Smith. Due to the death of Norman Foley her father and to unfortunate circumstances, Delores went to live with Charles Arthur and Lena Irene Murdoch at the tender age of four and was officially adopted by them at the age of six. Delores was raised near Windsor, NS at Three Mile Plains where she attended elementary school and Windsor Academy. While growing up she learned to play advanced piano (plus could also play by ear) and to sing (a natural gift). These gifts delighted many throughout the years, especially in her early years when she sang at various churches, seniors' homes and community events.....a little star. After graduating from Windsor School of Business, Delores started working as an administrative assistant in Windsor, N.S. She met Reginald Wilfred Gollan, a bricklayer/mason, from Hansport, N.S. and married him on August 29, 1951. They raised Robert, Linda, (Steven deceased at four months) and Douglas in Hansport, NS until Reg joined the Armed Forces, The Black Watch regiment and was then transferred to Ottawa, ON where Thomas was born. The family moved after several years in Ottawa, surrounded by the Gordon Gollan family who had relocated from Nova Scotia to Ottawa, to Kingston, ON where Reginald taught communications. It was in Kingston that their blonde haired daughters, Tina Marie and Tammy Jo were born, to the delight of their siblings. In 1967, the family moved to Shilo, MB with the military, where Reginald was part of 731 Communications Squadron and mom worked for the DND and also O’Kelly School. In 1972, Mom, Dad and the four youngest children transferred to Halifax, NS where mom worked for Murphy Sharpe Sales Ltd. Their last relocation was from Halifax to Prince Albert, SK. While raising six children, Mom worked at the above jobs and also worked full time at various Executive Assistant positions with the Department of National Defence, CKBI Radio/TV, Riverside Divisional III School, Health and Welfare Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada and Canada Post. Lastly mom managed a United Cigar Store, both in Brandon and then in Winnipeg. On August 25, 1990, Delores married Bert Wheble Bell and moved to Brandon, MB at which time she retired from full time work to devote time to Bert and her volunteer work with the First Presbyterian Church, Cancer Society, Royal Canadian Legion, and the UCT Bingo and anyone else in need, especially at income tax time when she did tax returns for several of her friends and family. Mom loved making people happy with her great sense of humor, smile, big hugs and kind words. She also loved learning to use her computer and programs which allowed her to connect with extended family members and to discover new family members and establish a relationship with them. Mom loved playing bingo in later years which also allowed her to socialize with people. She loved visiting the sick and the veterans, writing poetry, playing and listening to music, reading and traveling. Bert and Mom traveled to visit relatives early in their marriage from the east to the west coast, enjoying their time together and with family. Our mom’s spirit, with her love and compassion, touched everyone in her life. I am sure you would agree that you could not help but be a better person if you were so blessed to have had her in your life. Given the amount of suffering our mom endured, not only with the illnesses and the passing of family members and friends, but also with her own health issues, her undying spirit and love for life and her faith shone through those darkest moments and carried her forward. Our mom truly is an inspiration for us. She was devoted to God her entire life, and she was certain as are we, that she is with the Lord and is at peace. Mom was predeceased by first husband Reginald Gollan; sons Steven and Douglas Gollan, as well as her siblings Burton and Don Foley; Charles Murdoch and her parents. Delores leaves to mourn her husband Bert Bell and his sons Robert (Vicky) Bell, Richard (Judy) Bell and daughter Joanne (Richard) Eckert, and grandsons Richard (Megan) Eckert, Cory Bell and granddaughter Jennifer (Scott) Slimmon and great granddaughter Breanna. Also left to mourn their mother are Robert (Siri) Gollan, Linda (Don/Sam) Gradwell, Douglas Gollan deceased (Alexis Richards), Thomas (Valli) Gollan, Tina Santos, Tammy Gollan (partner Dennis Stevenson); grandchildren, Dawn Gollan, Tammy (Peter) Luong, Lexii Gollan, Torey Gollan, Fara (Jesse Graybill) Gradwell, Brent (Leanne Cwiertnia) Gradwell, Corey (Mark) Rootsaert, Scott (Ambar) Gollan, Thomas (Kerri) Gollan, Samara (Rob Hoskins) Gollan, Nicole Gollan, Jessica Richards, Eric Santos, Ryan Santos, Justin (Amanda Hay) Vallier, Dustin (Kara Hill) Vallier, Breana (Anthony Fudge) Vallier, and great-grandchildren Amanda Gollan, Josh Sundin, Julia Luong, Abbigail and Jennifer Corbett, Tavin Rootsaert, Alexander and Grace Gollan, Jordyn and Emelia Gollan-Hoskins, Jayce Vallier, Kierra, Carson and Hanna Vallier and great great grandaughter Anika Wishlow as well as her sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, Aunt Gladys (Dale) Burke of Charlottetown, PEI and Uncle William Monovan of Perth, ON and many cousins and friends. A Ceremony to Celebrate Delores' Life took place on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church. Rev. Dr. Dong-Ha Kim officiated. Eulogist was her son Thomas Gollan. Her cremated remains will be laid to rest in her beloved Nova Scotia at a later date. If friends or relatives so wish, donations in memory of Delores may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 3-824 18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 5B7 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, MB R7A 2W8. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-PlanningCentre 204-727-0330Miss Me But Let Me GoWhen I come to the end of the roadAnd the sun has set for me,I want no rites in gloom filled room.Why cry for a soul set free?Miss me a little, but not too longAnd not with your head bowed low,Remember the love That we once shared,Miss me, but let me go.For this is a journey, we must all takeAnd each must go alone.It's part of the Master's Plan,A step on the road to Home.So when you are lonely and sick at heart,Gather your loved ones close,And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.Miss me.... but let me go.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 28, 2012