In Celebration of

Grace A. Bell

March 18, 1930 -  February 8, 2024

Passed away peacefully at her home on February 8, 2024, surrounded by loving family members and her dear friend, Carl. A cherished mother, grandmother and wonderful friend to all who had the privilege to know her. Predeceased by her loving husband of 37 years, William “Sarge” Bell. Grace was born in Aldershot, England, the fourth of five children, on March 18, 1930. Growing up during World War II was a defining period for her. Trained as a lab technician in London, England, she immigrated to Canada with her family in 1950; she spent much of her career working in hospital laboratories, including Sunnybrook, North York General and York-Finch General Hospitals. At York-Finch, she became a well-respected lab manager, known for going above and beyond to provide guidance and support to her staff.

Grace was loving, generous and kind, with a great sense of humour. She retired at age 65 and became an active volunteer in her community. Grace loved to travel, with the Outer Banks of North Carolina being a favoured destination. She also enjoyed spending time in nature, golfing, hiking, cross country skiing, reading, and crafts, especially crocheting and knitting. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Grace’s determination to remain at home during her final years was made possible by many wonderful and loving support workers, nurses and doctors. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Hamrahi, social worker Monica, and friend Alicia, from The Dorothy Ley Hospice, who provided Grace with much kindness and support over the past 20 months.

Visitation will be held at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 from 6 to 8 PM and Thursday, February 15, 2024 from 2 to 3 PM. Funeral service will follow at 3 PM and light refreshments will be served immediately afterwards. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Dorothy Ley Hospice (dlhospice.org), Yonge Street Mission (ysm.ca) or CNIB (cnib.ca).

Guestbook 

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Marina &fernando perri (Friend of the family)

Entered February 12, 2024

Condolence

Charles, Dawn, Sarah and Rachel Levine (Kind of our grandmother)

Entered February 12, 2024 from Collingwood

Grace was a lovely and sweet lady. Very intelligent and insightful. Clearly a loving mother and grandmother to her children and also to our children. She will be missed !

Lark Kerr (family friend)

Entered February 12, 2024 from Toronto

Dear Ken, Linda and Heather, I have many fond memories of Christmas celebrations long ago, with Brian and the boys at your family home. Your mother was always so generous and inclusive. Lovely photos. Lark

Janice Whyte Sullivan (Part time daughter)

Entered February 14, 2024 from Keswick

Mrs Bell was a huge part of my childhood. I never heard her raise her voice and her giggle will make me smile every time I think of her. She used to take me and Heather to the mall all the time and she included me on their family vacations which made memories that are engraved forever in my heart. When I was an adult I worked for her in the lab for a short time. She was so well respected there. She told me I have to call her Grace at work. I couldn’t do it, so I waited until she looked up. I am so upset to miss her funeral but I have a bad cough and can’t make it. I am with all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I love you Mrs Bell.

Mary Warren 

Entered February 14, 2024

Linda, Heather,Ken and Families

Our condolences to all of you. You will miss you Mom and her quick wit. Nice to know Grace was able to stay in her home.

Kim and I are away so will not be able to attend visitation or service. I hope you can all cherish happy memories to help get you through this sad time.

Mary and Kim Warren

Photos 

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