Clare Elizabeth Bell

Clare Elizabeth Bell (née Wright) died peacefully in Cambridge, Ontario on September 19th, 2024, in her 87th year. Clare was predeceased by her loving husband, William. Together, they were blessed with seven wonderful children Anneke de Zeeuw, Margriet (Michael) de Zeeuw Wright, Linda (Buddy) Brennan, Allen (Ola) Bell, David (late Megan) Bell, Kenneth (Lea) Bell, and the late Nancy (Travis) Merrett. Proud grandmother of Julian, Abigail, Jessica, Jennifer, Conor, Alexandra, Catherine, Andrew, Steven, Stephanie, and 11 great-grandchildren. Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Dear sister of Jane (David) Oulton, Peter (Dianne) Wright, late John (Elaine) Wright. Dear sister-in-law of Joanne Bell (late Allen), Anne Bell (late Fred), Gloria Bell (late Doug), and late Donna and Tom Bell. Clare was predeceased by her first husband, H. Jan de Zeeuw and by her beloved parents, Archbishop William and Margaret Clare Wright.

Clare cherished her time growing up in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and especially her summers spent on Lake Superior and on the rocks at Dayton. She was a graduate of Sault Collegiate Institute and Trinity College at the University of Toronto. Clare valued her friendships, and writing a handwritten note to keep in touch. She enjoyed her travels and the communities across Canada where she lived. Clare returned to the Sault where she taught English at Bawating C&VS for many years before retiring.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many healthcare workers who cared for Clare, especially those at Innisfree House Hospice. Special thanks to Linda and Buddy for the love and humour that brought Clare peace after her move to Cambridge two years ago.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations can be made to the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH), a Hospice of your choice, or to St. Luke’s Cathedral in Sault Ste. Marie, ON.

Visitation will be held at Trinity Anglican Church, 12 Blair Road, Cambridge on Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am with the funeral service beginning at 11:30 am. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. An interment ceremony at West Korah Cemetery will take place at a later date in Sault Ste. Marie. The funeral service will be livestreamed and recorded on the Funeral Home’s website: www.couttsfuneralhome.com

Fond memories of Clare may be shared through Coutts Funeral Home in Cambridge at www.couttsfuneralhome.com