Obituary of E. Barbara Bell

Barbara died peacefully at the age of 89 on July 13, 2014 in Fredericton, NB. She was born in Brigg, Lincolnshire, England in 1925 to Albert Edward Knight and Janet Mary (Wragg) Knight. She was educated at London University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology while living through the Blitz and the late years of the war. She married John B. Bell in 1950 and in 1958 they and their eldest daughter immigrated to Saint John, NB and from there to Fredericton in 1966. Barbara was a truly talented woman. She was a trained singer and dedicated musician and participated as an active and gifted amateur soloist and choral singer up until her early 70’s. She and John both had leading roles in local dramatic theatre events in the early days of their courtship and marriage. She enjoyed the natural world and its wonders to the fullest and was an avid gardener, birder and naturalist. She was a talented artist and a mature student at New Brunswick College of Art and Design for several years and spent summers in St. Andrews, NB at Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre learning to paint, make lithographs and jewellery and to weave her marvellous tapestries on the loom that her husband made for her. She is survived and loved by her daughters Dr. Helen (Ross Thompson) Bell of Truro, Elisabeth (Paul LaFleche) Bell of Halifax and Justine (Michael) Blizzard of Fredericton. She is also greatly missed by her grandchildren, Hannah and Thomas Blizzard and Ruth and Robyn LaFleche. She leaves a brother in law and several nieces and nephews in England. She was predeceased by her husband, John, her parents and her sister Esther Flinn. She requested no funeral or visitation but those who wish to remember her are encouraged to make a donation in her name to the Alzheimer Society or any fine arts or natural conservation organization of their choice. The family would like to thank the staff of York Care Centre for their care of our mother over the past four years and especially for the love and concern of the nurses during the last few days of Barbara’s life. The arrangements have been entrusted to York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, NB. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com “rest you, then rest, sad eyes; melt not in weeping, for she lies sleeping”