Catherine Bell

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CATHERINE (KAY) EVELYN BELL
MAY 19, 1931 - JULY 18, 2025

It is with deepest love and great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Mum, Gramma, and Great-Gramma, Catherine (Kay) Evelyn Bell of Saskatoon, SK aged 94 at the Glengarda hospice.

Born May 19, 1931, Kay grew up on the farm at Plenty, SK. Following in her mother's footsteps, she became a teacher at Bonnie Doon and then Glenside schools. She met Jack at a ball practice for the Bonnie Doon-Decorah school team, as he was there to check out the new schoolteacher. Jack gave Kay a ride back to the Bonnie Doon school and as she liked to tell it, they got back before the children because Jack likes to drive fast. Kay and Jack married July 17, 1954, at the Corneil family farm in the flower garden by the hedge.

Mum and Dad farmed for several years near Bounty SK, where Jack was from, before moving to Saskatoon. Throughout this period, they also grew their family, welcoming four beloved children. Even with a busy life and family in Saskatoon, farming remained a central part of their lives; Mum and Dad started farming with her parents, Wilfrid and Margaret Corneil in 1967 and continued to farm until 2004. Mum and Dad had a very loving union and enjoyed going to dances and music events. Many years of wonderful memories were made at the Craven Country Jamboree.

Mum enjoyed gardening and had wonderful vegetable and flower gardens. Flowers were one of Mum's joys; whether it was her pots on her balcony or flowers she received, they made her smile. She also loved watching the sunsets whether at the farm, lake or from her balcony at Preston Park. Mum was a member of the Bethel United Church women's group and had many wonderful years of volunteering and helping at various events held at the church.

Mum moved into Preston Park All Seniors Care Retirement Home in March 2010, after Dad's passing in September 2009. She took part in many activities and trips that were offered, always checking where the next trip would take her. In 2021, in honour of her being one of the last original residents they named the library after her, now known as the 'Bell Book Nook'. Mum loved to read books, newspapers, magazines, and anything interesting she came across. Mum could be found reading by the fireplace in the evening and often into the wee hours of the morning. The kitchen night staff would even bring out a freshly baked muffin for her as they prepped for the next day. She also loved sitting on the deck at the lake enjoying the view while reading. Her love of reading was carried forward from her Mum and she has passed it down to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mum was the best Gramma of all time to her grandchildren, and she had a special bond with each of them. Once the great grandchildren came along, she was always so interested in how they were doing. She loved us all dearly.

Mum was an incredible lady with a sharp mind, heartwarming stories, and a big heart. It is hard to let her go but she has joined her sweetheart at last.

We would like to thank the staff at Preston Park for all the years of care and kindness. She had a special relationship with Chelsea, a care aid, and enjoyed the company of all the exceptional staff.

Our sincerest thanks also to the staff at the hospice at Glengarda. The attention, care, and kindness shown to Mum and the entire family in her final days of life was a true blessing.

Mum will be forever remembered by her children; daughter Karen Bodnarchuk (Bob) and their children, Darla Bodnarchuk (Scott Stomp) great grandson Jack Stomp; Mitchell Bodnarchuk. Son Lorne Bell (Glenda) and their children, Kellen Bell (Amanda) great granddaughter Mackenzie; Adam Bell (Hope); Matthew Bell. Daughter Denise Kirkpatrick (Eddy (Richard) Benard recently deceased) and her children, Jenna Kirkpatrick (Daniel Gerger) great grandchildren Jacob Gerger, Solenne and Eve Gerger; James Kirkpatrick (John Fritz). She is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews from the Corneil, MacCrimmon, and Bell families.

Kay was predeceased by her husband Jack (John R) Bell, son David in 1977, her brother Jim Corneil, niece Margaret Anne Banks, nephew James Corneil, her parents Wilfrid and Margaret Corneil, and parents-in-law Harry and Olive Bell, all of Jack's brothers and sisters and all their spouses and by Jack's nephew Gregory Bell.

The Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, July 28th, 2025, at the Saskatoon Funeral Home chapel. Luncheon to follow at the W. A. Edwards Family Centre.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Glengarda Hospice, 301 Hillard Street E, Saskatoon, SK, S7J 0E5.