Obituary of Ellen Ann Bell

Ellen Ann Bell (nee Paterson), 74, of St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, was called home peacefully on May 8, 2021 in the care of family. Ellen is preceded in death by her parents Victor Eugene Paterson and Miriam Paterson (nee Edwards); sisters Pearl and Jean. Ellen is survived by daughters Melanie (David), Suzanne, Karen (Henry); son Andrew (Melika); brothers Harry, Leroy, Victor (Carina), Carl; sister Gloria; grandchildren Jordan, Taylor, Hunter, Daniel, Julian, Meekah, Andrew-Maliik, Andre-Makaii, Kimora, Selena, Sonita, Adeena, cousins, numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Ellen was born in Portland, Jamaica on June 6, 1946 and then moved to Kingston in 1955. She graduated from The Queen’s High School in Kingston, JA and went on to receive her degree in Early Childhood Education from Mandeville Teachers College in Mandeville, JA. She received immediate placement in a private school in Kingston, JA. She was passionately involved in youth programs in church and enjoyed playing tennis.

 

Ellen married Lawrence Bell on August 2, 1969 in Kingston, Jamaica. In 1973 they immigrated to Canada where she provided her own private early childhood care and learning services. She would often accept children of parents who could not afford services otherwise. Throughout the years, she balanced being a working mother raising four children, caring for her aging father and other family members, nurturing and providing a welcoming, safe space for numerous friends of her children. Her reach was far and deeply impacted countless lives. She was selfless and often put the needs of others before her own, demonstrating a strong character of serving God with her talents.

 

Her joyful zest for life, celebrating through laughter and dance will remain engrained in the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing her. There is no doubt that she rests rejoicing in Paradise and will now serve as the gentle compassionate angel she was ordained to be.

 

In honouring Ellen’s final wishes, cremation has taken place with interment of ashes at a later date in the Paterson family plot in Portland, Jamaica. Details of celebration of life services will be shared at the appropriate time.

 

Nuff love, one love, she likkle but she tallawah!

 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to melanieely10@gmail.com that will go towards Ellen’s life celebrations both here in Canada and Jamaica.

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