Isabella Helen Mulholland

It is with heavy hearts we share that Isabella “Bella” Mulholland passed peacefully on January 10 with her two children at her side. A devoted mother and cherished friend, Bella’s nurturing spirit, unwavering support, and boundless love will live on in the hearts of her children, family, and friends.

Born Isabella Turnidge in Scotland in 1938, Bella was a caring sister to her two younger brothers Staffy and Eddie in Elgin and moved to Aberdeen to study and qualify as a registered Nurse where she met and married Alastair Mulholland. They immigrated to Canada in 1966 where they ended up making Victoria their home. Here Bella also worked as a Nurse and turned her hand to bookkeeping as well as learning to net a big salmon when the opportunity arose.

An ever-loving Mom, keen gardener, Ikebana enthusiast, and selfless, big-hearted knitter for charity, Bella touched every life she met with kindness and care. She loved to play mahjong for pennies with friends and create impressive floral displays with fellow lovers of this craft at the Victoria Floral Artist Guild.

Bella was an attentive and caring mother with great awareness and her inquisitive mind led her to research, explore and act upon a multitude of interests such as Spanish, Sign Language, decoupage, and a weekly recipe experiment – she was often ahead of her time, particularly with recycling.

She was no stranger to a good stride and loved to walk in the outdoors with Seamous or Wylie and, at the end of a productive day, enjoyed a Kokanee with her Dixieland as the sun hit the yardarm.

Bella was predeceased by her beloved husband, Alastair, and is survived by her two children, Colin and Susan. She will be lovingly remembered always.

To quote our lovely mother, “cheers and slàinte mhath, here’s to a beer on the other side!”

Grateful thanks for many years of care by Dr. M. Szeto and more recently by Dr. J. Easterbrook and the Palliative Care staff on Eight South at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. The family thanks friends, workmates, and neighbours for thoughtful condolences. No service by request. Tributes, in lieu of flowers, if so desired, may be made to the Victoria Hospice or a charity of choice. Condolences may be left at www.firstmemorialsaanich.com .