Belle was born in Lake Alma, SK and passed away in Salmon Arm, BC at the age of 91 years. Belle grew up in Goodwater, SK and moved to Deloraine, MB to work for three years during the depression for a farming family. She moved to Trail, BC in 1938 where she met and married Alex in 1939. They built their home and moved to Castlegar for 60 years where they raised five children. She got her nursing degree after her family had grown. She loved caring for people and had a cheerful bedside manor.
Belle was predeceased by her husband Alex in 1975, three grandchildren Christa at 2 yrs of age, Dean at 4 yrs. of age and an infant in 1969, son Don in Dec. 2004, parents, three brothers and two sisters.
She is survived by her daughters Sandra (Don) Blishen of Salmon Arm, BC, Cheryl White (Gregg O’Leary) of Sorrento, BC, Sheila Gray (Russ Clarke) of Morinville, AB, son Wayne (Anita) of Castlegar, BC, 13 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and her sister Margaret Johnson of Castlegar, BC.
Belle had many hobbies; baking, gardening, canning and she loved to dance. She excelled and coached many sports; badminton, softball, bowling, golfing and curling. She was a member of the famed Castlegar Kats softball team of the 40’s and 50’s.
After her son don passed away in December ’04, she moved to Salmon Arm to live closer to daughters Sandra and Cheryl. She resided at Shuswap Lodge and her last three years at Bastion Place.
Her family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. K. Theron & Dr. Gow for their kind, compassionate, and professional care as well as the staff at Bastion Place for their humor and heartfelt caring that made her life fuller.
A celebration of life will take place in Castlegar in April 2009 where many relatives and friends are. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Belle’s name may be made to the Bastion Place Bus Fund, c/o Shuswap Hospital Foundation, Box 265, Salmon Arm, BC, V1E 4N3.
Arrangements entrusted to FISCHER’S FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORIUM LTD., Salmon Arm, BC, (250) 833-1129, email condolences and share memories at www.fischersfuneralservices.com.