OBITUARY
Jean Carolyn Bell
19 November, 1935 – 28 March, 2021
In Loving Memory
The recording of the Live Stream will be available for 30 days following the funeral service. Please copy the following Link into your search bar. ipickart.ca/stream/JeanBell/
Quietly slipped away from us after a brief but valiant fight with Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma. Born in Evanston, Illinois, to Carl Burton French and Ruth Maretta Arnold. Loving older sister to the late Carol Maretta French Palaith Shohet of NYC. Survived by her two daughters, Carolyn (Norm) Crisp of Ottawa, and Barbara Thurston of Toronto. Beloved Nana of Alexander (Nela), Gregory, and Kyra. Great-grandmother to Jacob and William Crisp. Dear friend and companion of Jim Purcell of Newmarket. Fond cousin to Jeff (Sharon) French of Sutton. Jean attended Havergal College, St. Clement’s School, and Northwestern University. On March 1, 1957, Jean married John Ross Thurston, the father of her two daughters. On November 11, 1988, she married retired Brigadier General George Gray Bell.
Passionate about curling, tennis, Scottish Country Dancing, golf, bridge and endless travel adventures, she was a keen photographer, especially on her adventures with George while attending military functions. Mom loved her winters in Sarasota, Florida, where many of her Thornhill friends would join her.
In the 60s and 70s, Mom volunteered with the Junior League of Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company, and was a lifelong member of Alpha Phi sorority. From the 70s until recently, she was an enthusiastic member of Thornhill Country Club, beginning with curling, and later expanding her horizons to tennis, golf, and bridge. Having been an avid golfer since her teenage years, she spent many happy hours on the greens with her Angel Friends, and she was a competitive bridge player who loved being at the club, or playing online during the pandemic.
Always a social butterfly, Jean was very outgoing and vivacious until her final days. She will be sadly missed by numerous family and friends around the globe. A special thank you to the wonderful PSWs at Canterbury Place Retirement Living. Thanks as well to healthcare at NYGH, St. John’s, Princess Margaret, Toronto Western, and TGH; Mom, Carolyn, and Barbara all appreciated her excellent care.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held on Thursday, April 8, 2021, at 1:30 PM. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only immediate family will be in attendance; however, all are welcome to attend the virtual celebration livestream hosted by Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home at ipickart.ca/stream/JeanBell/
In lieu of flowers, Jean hoped memorial donations be made to Princess Margaret Cancer Research Foundation.
We will meet again, Mom, but until we do, we hope you are on Heaven’s golf team by day, and painting beautiful sunsets by night.
DONATIONS
- The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
Services
-
Celebration of Life
Thursday, 8 April , 2021
Memories
Jean Carolyn Bell
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYChris Chance
9 April 2021
Like so many other people have said, yesterday's service was beautifully done. Your Mum, had she been present, not just in spirit, as she was, would have been so proud of you all, and probably had more than a few tears in her eyes. Thank you for allowing me to be with you, and for sharing her wonderful life with all of us.
Jacqueline Shohet
8 April 2021
What a beautiful service ! Jean was such a doting older sister to Carol when she and Ruben lived at Bishop Gadsden. She always made sure Carol was well dressed and coiffed! And she never came by without chocolates for our dads and his sweet tooth:)
Jeff French
8 April 2021
I was touched by the ceremony, it made me think of all the good times we had together in our childhood at Mimi & Pops house and farm. She lead a very full life, but that doesn’t make it any easier to say goodbye.
RIP Aunt Jean
Jeff French
Joy Sjare
8 April 2021
Dear Carolyn and Barbara, The tribute to your Mom was lovely. She was a good fried and fellow Scorpion. We enjoyed golf at Thornhill, and my friend Bob and I had times tougher with Jean and Jim. She will be missed, Joy
Marilyn Fennell
8 April 2021
What a beautiful and touching service. Meeting her family was a privilege for me. The last several years Jean and our St Clements group have met periodically for lunch, usually twice a year at someone’s home or restaurant. It has been these past years I have come to know Jean and enjoy the many times we had together. Thanks for sharing your memories.
Carla Shohet
8 April 2021
What a beautiful service and tribute to Jean! Jean and Carol clearly had a strong bond and Jean called and visited her sister regularly. As a big sister, Jean made sure Carol had what she needed in her later days from a better wheelchair to a muff to keep her hands warm. The sisters are together again!
Karen(Tuckey) Abbott
8 April 2021
Barbara and Carolyn: Ross and I were part of your Mom and Dad’s wedding. Jean called me on March 1 and we reminisced for a while. Your Mom and I were great friends when we were children living one block from each other. I am remember your great grandmother, Maudie and of course your grandparents and Jean’s cousin, Pete and his wife, Bev. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless
Enno Kerckhoff
8 April 2021
Jean was such a lovely presence for years and years at all our Regimental events.
Her dedication to all Dragoons was unparalleled and she was so generous with her time, chatting with soldiers of all ranks after every parade.
Generations of Dragoons will remember her fondly with gratitude.
LCol Enno Kerckhoff
Commanding Officer
The Royal Canadian Dragoons
Elizabeth Escoffery
8 April 2021
Jean and I shared many fun times and a few sad ones together. She was a thoughtful, caring friend. I will miss seeing her but she will always be in my fond memories and in my heart.
My sincere sympathy goes to Jim, Barb and Carolyn.
Betty Escoffery
Clive and Marlene Addy
8 April 2021
What a loss to us all of this remarkable and ever kind lady. Our sincere sympathy to Carolyn, Barbara and Jim .
So many times Marlene and I shared the pleasure of the wonderful company of General George and Jean , the highlight of which remains their visit to our Dragoons in Germany with an added visit to Caen in France and Juno with all the officers during my command. We remained in touch through the years, mourned George' s departure, welcomed Jim and visited in Florida.
It was a privilege to have her as a friend and we will miss her greatly. Sincere condolences to her wide chorus of family and friends.
Clive and Marlene
Kent Stewart
7 April 2021
Such wonderful memories of Jean and George. The two of them treated Leslie, Dylan, and I like family and we loved them both as parents in our Regimental family. I was honoured to have Jean choose me to escort her through George’s funeral and to have Leslie look after the “tiny” details so that things were “just right” for Jean. She was ever present in our lives and we always enjoyed receiving her letters from the summer home. We will forever remember her and we will celebrate her wonderful life that she shared with us. Thank you to the family for adding our special moments together in the memorial video. It was an honour to serve both Jean and George and an even greater honour to have been part of their greater family. With much love and respect,
Kent, Leslie, and Dylan Stewart, Kingston, Ontario.
John Snow
7 April 2021
Barb, Carolyn, Jim & families,
Our deepest condolences go out to you on the loss of dear Jean.
Jean was a truly remarkable woman who lived a remarkable life. We were so blessed to have known Jean and to be included like family in her life. Although she was involved in so many wonderful activities and had the responsibilities that go along with them, she was always able to the make those around her feel like they were all that mattered. She unselfishly gave of herself to those she loved. A life well lived! We will miss her.
Love John & Kenna Snow
theresa Duncan
7 April 2021
Dear Barbara and Carolyn,
Jean and I first met at tennis lessons . Later at Thornhill we were on the Tennis Team and in the golf section. It was always a pleasure to play tennis with Jean and to be with her on social occasions
She was a lovely, caring lady. We shall miss her smile and the pleasure it was to share time with Jean and our friends
Jean will be greatly missed.
My condolences to you and the rest of your family.
Sincerely, Theresa Duncan
Marty Manning
6 April 2021
Dear Family of Beautiful Jean. My deepest condolences on your loss. I knew Jean from wonderful golf days at Thornhill. Jean was a true presence both on and off the golf course. The spirit that lit up the room as she entered was radiant.
I will miss her warm and charming smile, dynamic personality and friendship.
May your wonderful memories bring light when you most need it to shine through.
Thinking of you.
Marty
Roseanne Myers
6 April 2021
Jean was a lovely woman and a formidable bridge opponent. We will miss her easygoing ways and genuine smile. Roseanne and Bill Myers
Kirk Thornton
6 April 2021
Jean was a beautiful lady full of life and love.
Our sincerest condolences to the family.
Kirk and Marie-France
Janet Rourke
5 April 2021
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mom. Jim is a relative and Jim and Jean came to Rawdon several times . we enjoyed. Their visits. Odlum and Janet Purcell Rourke
James Purcell
4 April 2021
Dear Barbara and Carolyn
For 17 years we, Jean and I, could brag that we were the happiest couple in the world. We wintered in Sarasota Fl. ,summered on the Ottawa River, and travelled to many exotic places, Jean introduced me to the Military and its wonderful personnel which appears to accept me as one of their Dragoons..
I have made a substantial donation to Princess Margaret Foundation, brain cancer research, in Jean's name.
Love,
Jim
Mike Appleton
4 April 2021
Danielle and I had the great honour and pleasure to welcome Jean into the Regimental family and military life. Without a doubt, it was the easiest job either of us had during our lifetime. Jean fit in ‘like a glove’ from the first visit, effortlessly speaking with Generals and Troopers alike.
For Danielle and me, most memorable moments were when she and George visited the Regiment while it was on UN duty in Cyprus and when they both visited us in the UK as the four of us travelled to Scotland to visit with our Colonel-in-Chief. And, yes, there were photos …. many photos!
The Regiment was extremely grateful when Jean took over the Leliefontein Bursary Award presentation from George when he passed away. Her dedication to ensure that she was always available for the Award presentation was welcomed by the leadership of the Regiment and, most especially, by the recipients every year.
Our hearts go out to Carolyn and Barbara, and especially to Jim Purcell with whom we have had several most enjoyable encounters.
Jean will always be one of OUR fallen comrades.
Mike and Danielle Appleton
Kiki Terzidis
4 April 2021
Dear Barb and family,
I had the pleasure of meeting Jean over 20 years ago, as her dental hygienist. Jean was a beautiful smart and elegant woman. We shared stories and jokes, I will dearly miss seeing her. The last few years Jean shared her memories about her daughters and the special travels they had together. She was so proud of both of them and so grateful that she spent time experiencing vacations together. I will miss you Jean. My condolences to the family. May her memory be eternal.
Kiki
Deborah Posine
2 April 2021
Dear Carolyn & family,
My deepest condolences and love go out to you and your family on the loss of your mother. I know how devastating the loss of a mother is regardless of anything else. Other than the sharing a beautiful resemblance it sounds as if you shared the same love and adventure of life. She certainly created a wonderful, thoughtful and caring person in you :) My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Take care my friend.
Debbie
Susan Brown-Charbonneau
1 April 2021
Dear Carolyn and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother passing away. By her description she sounds like a lovely and fun character; both beautiful inside and out. May time heal your sorrow, and good memories flood your memory. Take care and my sincere condolences. Susan
Lillian Parkinson
1 April 2021
Sorry to hear about your loss. We were friends with Jim Purcell. He and Jean visited us several times in Rawdon. We always enjoyed their visits very much.
Lillian Parkinson
Georges & Maureen Rousseau
31 March 2021
Jim, Barb, Carolyn and extended family
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jean. She was an exceptional person who loved her family and her adopted Dragoons. Always “radieuse” with a stately demeanor, camera in hand, she made us all “smile”. Her joie de vivre and newsy Christmas cards will be sorely missed. We will remember. RIP
Maureen and Georges
Bob Greenhalgh
31 March 2021
I had the privilege of being introduced to Jean late last year as she was getting her affairs in order.
We had several good conversations over the phone, during which she impressed me as being very composed and direct; I'm sure she was a 'force of nature' in her day!
Sadly I will never have the opportunity to meet her in person and thank her for her support and generosity.
My condolences go out to Jean's daughters and the rest of her family.
Bob
Denis Levesque
31 March 2021
Jim, Barbra, Carolyn
Jean was a diamond of a lady, comforting everyone around her. She had a command presence in every room she entered with her charming smile and calming voice. Her loving touch when she grabbed your arm to share a story or a photo she wanted to give you. Jean held your heart in her hand as she spoke. You run into a person of this type only once in a lifetime. I’m a better person for knowing Jean.
May she rest in eternal peace knowing she made such an impact on so many people.
Denis Levesque
Former RSM RCD
President RCD Assn
Donald McKenzie
31 March 2021
Ave atque vale
Please accept my condolences and those of the entire Regimental Family of The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment)(RCAC). Jean was a great supporter of the Regiment, as was General George before her. We will miss them.
Pristinae virtutis memor.
Bud Gorman
31 March 2021
Anyone who has met Jean will not forget her wonderful spirit filled with dignity and grace.
Our sincerest condolences to the family.
Bud and Kathy Gorman
RCD (retired)
Thomas Burnie
31 March 2021
Jean's dedication to the Royal Canadian Dragoons and the families set an example of commitment for the well being of others. I will miss her conversations and subtle wisdom.
Darrell & Heather Dean
30 March 2021
Jim, Barbara and Carolyn,
Please accept our sincerest condolences on the passing of Jean. She was indeed a wonderful caring lady whose commitments knew no bounds be it golf, bridge curling or being the grand lady at regimental events. At all of this she shone and led the way. We know that she will get that bunch in the tank park organized and sorted out on her arrival. A great lady touched all of us and we will remember her.
Darrell & Heather Dean
Rachel and Bryan Forsyth
30 March 2021
From time to time you meet someone with whom you feel an immediate rapport. Someone you trust out of hand, respect to the core and like wholeheartedly. Jean was such a person; a pleasure to be around. We will miss her but know that the impact she had on so many will endure.
Jim Ferron
30 March 2021
To Jim and Barb ... Mary and I send you our most sincere condolences on the loss of Jean. She will always remain close to our hearts, particularly when the Regimental family of Dragoons gathers. She will not be forgotten.
Respectfully, Jim and Mary Ferron.
Major-General (Retired) James R. Ferron, OMM, MSC, CD
Peter Atkinson
30 March 2021
On behalf of all Dragoons serving and retired I wish to pass on our condolences to the family. Jean Bell was a great Regimental Lady. She touched so many lives through her kindness and generosity. We all have fond memories of her a lot were made from the photographs that she took and sent to us. Her legacy will live on in the Memorial Bursary fund that she helped to establish and it will continue on in her name. Jean embraced the fact that each and every day was truly a fine day to be a Dragoon and she passed on this sense of "family" to all those who had the privilege of knowing her. She may be gone, but she will never be forgotten. We will forever cherish the great memories that were made in getting to know the great lady, Jean Bell.
Peter Atkinson
Colonel of the Regiment
The Royal Canadian Dragoons