Ida "Deanne" Bell

(October 22, 1938 - December 13, 2024)

Ida Deanne Bell of Edmonton, Alberta, formerly of Donalda, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the age of 86 years.

Deanne was born October 22, 1938, in Stettler, Alberta. Deanne grew up on a farm with her older brother James and her parents Alice and Ross McLellan. She was a very physically active child and enjoyed activities such as curling, skiing, table tennis, softball, skating and dancing.

Deanne attended grade school in the close-knit community of Donalda, Alberta. After High School, she attended the Olds School of Agriculture where she graduated with honours from the Home Economics program.

She then moved to Edmonton for work as a receptionist. It was in Edmonton that she met her husband Louis Bell. They courted for two years before getting married in Edmonton in 1961. They had their first two children, Kevin Ross and Barbara Anne while living in the cities of Edmonton and Calgary. Louis and Deanne took over the McLellan family farm in 1966 where they had their third child, Brendan Bernard. Deanne focused her energy on raising her three children and was a natural mother. She had a genuine aptitude for child psychology and read university texts on the subject.

Deanne also participated in many farm duties and in the few moments she had to herself, she enjoyed playing the piano. She had a beautiful touch on the piano and gave all three of her children the opportunity to learn to play. Together Louis and Deanne grew a large vegetable garden that fed the family year-round. Deanne was an excellent cook and prepared nutritious meals for her family.

Later in life, when her children had left home she grew flowers and was known for creating wonderful bouquets. Deanne worked at the Donalda Town Office and was an engaged volunteer for the Donalda Cemetery Club. Although her own children moved away for work, her grandchildren Brendan Marc and Brigitte Siobhan grew up in Edmonton so she was able to be an involved Grandma during their formative years. The grandchildren spent significant time at the farm with Louis, Deanne, and the horses, and appreciated learning about rural life.

Deanne was known for her easy sense of humour. She loved a good laugh and was cracking jokes until the end. For example, at a recent Doctor’s appointment, when instructed to sit still she replied “Uh-oh, I am not good at that…never have been”. She was a very energetic person who did not sit still for long.

Left to cherish her memory are Deanne’s children Kevin Bell (Johanne Paradis) of Edmonton, Barbara Bell (Scott Gilbert) of Kimberley, British Columbia, and Brendan Bell of Sherbrooke, Quebec; and two grandchildren Brendan and Brigitte.

Deanne was predeceased by her husband Louis Bell; her parents Ross and Alice; as well as brother James.

A celebration of Deanne’s life will be held at a later date.

If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Deanne’s memory may be made to the Donalda Cemetery