BELL, Shirley Yvonne
Shirley Yvonne Bell (nee Graham), in her 89th year, passed away peacefully surrounded by family March 28, 2023. Shirley will be deeply missed and carried in the memories of her beloved husband, Gorman, her children, Sandra (Tim), Keith (Sassan) and Brian (Marlene), and her cherished grandchildren, Christopher, Devin and Tara.
Shirley is survived by her sister, Hackey and predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Evelyn, Lesley, Cyrus, Rachel, Sam and Russell.
Shirley was the daughter of Gilbert and Harriet (Taylor) Graham of Harbour le Cou, Newfoundland. She left home at the age of 17 and made her way to St. Catharines, Ontario. It was here that she met Gorman at a BBQ one evening in 1954. They never went a day without seeing each other after that and were married in October 1956.
The most precious thing in Shirley’s life was her family. She was a warm and generous person and created a very loving and comfortable home. Gorman and Shirley spent many happy vacations with family traveling back home to Newfoundland, camping throughout Ontario and the East coast and traveling with their motorhome in their retirement years. Shirley was a talented seamstress, knitter and quilter. Her family is blessed to have many keepsakes in the beautiful quilts and afghans she has made over the years.
Our family would like to thank the many people who enabled Shirley to remain at home in her last years. We are grateful to her doctors, the outstanding nurses at the St. Catharines hospital, the invaluable assistance of the LHIN and the wonderful PSWs from Bayshore. Thank you to our family members and friends for your many kindnesses. Thank you to the Hotel Dieu Shaver for your exceptional care and compassion in Shirley’s last days. And a heartfelt thank you to her grandson Christopher for his devotion, as it would not have been possible to have Shirley at home without him.
In keeping with Shirley’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca