Obituary of Shirley Bell

BELL: It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Shirley Agnes Bell of Fairview Home, Brandon, MB on Monday, December 7, 2015, at the age of 84. Shirley was born on the McTaggart family farm at Harding, MB on August 6, 1931, only daughter of Roy and Ivy McTaggart. She married Mervyn Bell on June 10, 1950, and they farmed together at Harding for 34 years. Upon retirement, they moved to Brandon in June 1984. Shirley was pre-deceased by her husband of 63 years in June 2013. She leaves behind their children: Myrna (Dan) Collens, Phyllis (Floyd) Miller, Carol Ann (Claude) Lepine, and Brian (Margaret) Shaw. There are 10 grandchildren and spouses: Jennifer (Kevin) Hyde, Leanne (Matt) DeVliegere, and Gordon (Zineta) Collens; Sherri (David) Kyle, Derek (Jodi) Miller, Regan (Natalie) Miller, and Naomi Miller; Jordan Lepine; Brian James Shaw (Gwenda Olson) and Brett (Chris) Purdy. Nineteen great grandchildren include Emily, Alex, and Isaiah Hyde, Paige and Brady DeVliegere, Taber, Selina and Malaina Collens; Michelle, Rylan, Logan, and Declan Kyle, Zane, Sage, and Reeve Miller, Hayden and Rory Miller; and Josh and Miranda Purdy. She is also survived by her brother, Clare (Peggy) McTaggart and sister-in-law, Marilyn Anderson, plus numerous nieces and nephews. Shirley was predeceased by parents, Roy and Ivy McTaggart, in-laws, Gordon and Annie Bell, one sister-in-law, Evelyn and husband, Ed Shaw, and brother-in-law, Lloyd Anderson. Shirley was devoted to her family and passionate about their wellbeing; she was modest, humble and caring. Rural farm life meant hard work and countless happy memories – raising children, cooking and baking, gardening, milking cows, hauling grain, driving a school van for many years, and building community. She always welcomed company into their home, first on the farm and then in Brandon, including her wee home at Fairview where friends and family dropped by her room frequently for much cherished visits. Shirley derived untold pleasure from the simple joy of knitting, so much so, that she grew her passion into a successful business upon "retirement" to Brandon. Quilting, sewing, embroidery and knitting were all done to perfection and shared with everyone who knew her. She lived her life one day at a time, steadfast and true. A tribute to honor Shirley's life was held at Brockie Donovan Funeral Home on Friday, December 11, 2015. Following the funeral, Shirley and Mervyn were laid to rest together at Greenwood Cemetery, both of them returning "Home to Harding" as one. Pallbearers were grandsons, Derek Miller, Regan Miller, Gordon Collens, Jordan Lepine, and great grandsons, Rylan Kyle and Taber Collens - Honorary pallbearer was grandson, Brian James Shaw. The family wishes to extend their thanks and appreciation to all staff, 4th floor, Fairview Home, to Jeremy Lancaster, Funeral Director at Brockie Donovan and also to the ladies at Central United Church who provided a lovely lunch after the service. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Pastor Paul Stade for conducting the service and for his heartfelt support and guidance throughout. If desired, donations would be gratefully received at the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.