July 3, 1931 – Rossland, British Columbia

March 9, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

In the early hours of Sunday, March 9, 2025, Stella Hall passed away peacefully in the presence of her children at AgeCare Bow Crest in Calgary, AB, at the age of 93 years.

Stella was born in Rossland, BC, daughter of Charles Edwin Bell (d.1959) and Freda Honora Bell (nee Madison, d. 2003). She moved to Calgary with her family as a young girl. She had fond memories of long walks and conversations with her father. Her time with her father had a lifelong influence on her strong foundation of faith, her desire to do her best, think positively throughout adversity, and contribute to the world around her. Stella was also committed to her mother, for whom she provided personal care for many years.

She was a practising Catholic throughout her life and a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Women’s League, even in her final year. She was an elementary school teacher (1957–1990) and a dedicated and loving mother who raised four children on her own: Joan MacDonald (Terry), David (Susan), Shirley Silvernagle (Chad), and Eileen Page (Kent). As a teacher, she had a special place in her heart for children who struggled. To this end, she was awarded the Inez Gearhart Memorial Trophy, “Champion of the Underdog.” She always strove to help children do their best, and usually even the most troubled children exceeded expectations as they learned to read and were motivated to excel in her class. She taught in Calgary and at Riverbend Hutterite Colony (1980–1983), where she left a positive impact and earned some lasting friendships.

Stella was an active contributor to the community. She established an award for the Calgary Aquabelles, provided support to the Sisters of the Faithful Companion of Jesus, and made donations to support school children at St. Hubert’s, the art program at St. John’s, the music program at St. Mary’s, and students who struggled with reading at St. Anthony’s. For several years, she enjoyed singing in choirs for the church and community. One highlight was a 1996 benefit concert and CD recording with the Calgary Westwinds Music Society at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Another was achieving her Grade 2 RCM singing examination in 2003. She enjoyed opera and was even on stage as a nun in the 2002 Calgary performance of Dialogues of the Carmelites. In her final years, she enjoyed music programs and the Singing Circle with Barry Luft at the Kerby Centre.

Stella’s family and friends will remember her as a dedicated mother and loving person who strove to leave a positive impact on those around her.

She was predeceased by both parents, her sister Mary (in 1941) and her brother Robert (Bob, in 2004). She leaves behind her sister Joan Scott, her four children, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Cathedral (219 18 Ave SW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made in Stella’s memory to St. Mary’s Cathedral at www.catholicyyc.ca/stmaryscathedral.html or to the Calgary Catholic Education Foundation at www.theccef.ca/donate/ to be used in school music programs.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Stella’s family here.

In living memory of Stella Hall, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.

Click to View the Memorial Card for Stella Hall