Tribute Wall
Friday
26
October
Celebration of Pam's Life
1:30 pm
Friday, October 26, 2018
Massey College - University of Toronto
4 Devonshire Place
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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John Sloan posted a condolence
Sunday, August 25, 2019
When looking for a different Bell family I was surprised to find this obituary.
I can't say that I knew Pam well but she was always kind to me as a child. I remember her having me over to her home, introducing me to her very nice mom and showing me all around her home, including the different colours of piggy banks in the form of cash registers that she and her siblings, and also my brother and I had.
But the point of this is to relate an incident that happened decades ago that had a very positive and lasting effect on me.
Pam and I were walking either to or from Bedford Park school when I spotted a June bug on the sidewalk. I started to walk over to it in order to step on it (because I could I suppose) when Pam blurted out something like "Oh John, please don't step on the bug, it's not hurting anybody and it's only trying to live it's life." It was her tone of voice that stopped me; it was warm and non-judgmental. Normally I would have expected to be yelled at and scolded but her tone created a space in which I could fully consider what I was about to do. And in that space I knew she was right, and I no longer had any desire to harm the bug. With that we continued on our way with no mention of the incident again.
Years later I realized that she had planted seeds of empathy and compassion in me that continue to flourish today (and I'm now a member of PETA). And after reading all the glowing and heartfelt tributes here, her little intervention some sixty-odd years ago seems entirely in keeping with her generosity of spirit and caring for others.
I wish I had been able to thank her for her precious gift to me, and if I'd had a sister in my life I would have hoped her to be like Pam. She won't be forgotten by me.
My best wishes to the Bell and Rabnett families and friends affected by her passing.
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Janice Stensson Fozard posted a condolence
Friday, October 26, 2018
I feel so privileged to have known Pam for over 40 years; we shared some great times on the Bruce trail with our gang of girls. Many laughs, many thoughtful conversations, many great meals, that is what friendship is all about. Even after moving to the Yukon, meeting again was like a day had gone by. Pam is a force that will be all around us...much love to the family. Xxxxxx
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Rich and Sue Deacon posted a condolence
Friday, October 26, 2018
our thoughts and condolences go out to the Rabnett and Bell family - wonderful connection over the decades with Pam - will miss her warmth and endless enthusiasm
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The Ryley Family posted a condolence
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Pam brought so much fun and laughter into our family,we will never forget her.
It was a pleasure to share her love and excitement of all things that were going on, when our worlds merged through our children at school and on the ski hills.
Pam's end of day summaries,with a wee dram,on a porch anywhere and everywhere,brought out her wonderful laugh and gentle smile.
To Colin and her loving family we send our deepest sympathies for your much too early loss of Pam.
The Ryley Family
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Kate Ryley posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
I will never forget Pam’s laugh. I can still hear it and see her smile. Pam was warm and motherly, and so totally cool !!! She was half the reason I liked hanging out with Gigi ;)
I have fond memories of Pam:
- picking me up on the way to school at the corner of Dinnick and Mt. Pleasant in her black Jetta. On my birthday, she would pick me up with Gigi singing Happy Birthday. I remember how excited I got to get into that car!!!
- As a lunch lady/lunch “mom”- often packing me an extra tuna sandwich because I loved the way she made hers. She ran a pillow making /sewing class during lunch hours - I remember making a pillow that said “Let’s Get a Dog” on the front and proudly gave it to my parents
- at the base of the ski hill cheering us on ski racing, or on the side lines volunteering as a gate keeper/course worker.
- sporting the COOLEST outfits that only she could pull off!
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Linda Moran posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Dear Colin,
Your Pam is unforgettable and well remembered in the beautifully crafted obituary. Thank you for providing those of us who did not know she was in a battle, with some memories to cherish.
I am sorry for your loss and for the sadness surrounding Pam’s illness and death.
My condolences to you and your family.
Linda Moran
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sue merry posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Deepest sympathy to all the Bell family. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Sue ( Richardson ) Merry
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Martine Ainsley Bell posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
I loved my time with Pam .Pam whose love of her family was everything to her. Her wonderfully big, generous, fun, thoughtful, caring, curious, loyal, opinionated personality was a true inspiration.
So many treasured memories! where do I begin, Our trip to Yorkshire with Penny, as we drove in the fog on dark country lanes and across the Dales , crying with laughter and arguing over directions , long walks and wonderful evenings together. Her many trips to London , she loved shopping always buying gifts for her family Visiting art galleries , going to movies , her wonderful cooking ! Pam was the most sincere ,kind and funny ,incredible friend and sister in law with the biggest heart .
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Jose & Tess Mujar posted a condolence
Monday, October 22, 2018
Our sincerest condolences and sympathy to Colin and Daughters in the passing of Pam.May her soul Rest in Eternal Peace.
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Sarra Isabel Girgis posted a condolence
Monday, October 22, 2018
Gigi and her sisters were my primary-school role models of "cool". That was, until I met their mom! She was even cooler!! My awkward and few-friended young self owes Pam innumerable laughter-filled boggle lunches, a handful of life-changing visits to her magical house where everything was possible - from wood working to cooking, and where the most beautifil creations lived in an oasis of a love-filled-home.
I must confess, I still have the woodworking kit I asked for my 10th birthday that I never learnt how to use and I'm guilty of trying to get a game of boggle going any chance I get.
Thank you, Pam. You are loved and remebered fondly.
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Anne Vanderwalde posted a condolence
Monday, October 22, 2018
My sincere condolences to Pam’s beautiful family. My regret is that I did not have the honour of meeting Pam.
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Anne Vanderwalde lit a candle
Monday, October 22, 2018
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Sheila Phillips posted a condolence
Monday, October 22, 2018
So sad for your family. .. Pam was one of a kind...remembering john fisher days in the lunchroom.
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Aimee uploaded photo(s)
Monday, October 22, 2018
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Marc Trudel posted a condolence
Monday, October 22, 2018
An obituary like that can only be written about a very special person by special people, all of whom seem to have understood and continue to understand what is important in life. My condolences to all, from a member-in-law of Gigi’s newly extended loving family.
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Roberta McFadden posted a condolence
Monday, October 22, 2018
It is with great sadness that I write this condolence;
Pam was a wonderful person who was great fun to be with whether on the hiking trail, ski run or giving advice re my garden.
She made a point, every Saturday to visit with Robert and I at the market to see how the grapes were growing and surviving our marginal climate.
I loved her spirit and sense of humor. Pam you will be forever missed.
Sending loads of love and my deepest of sympathies to your family.
Roberta
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Dale Stohn posted a condolence
Monday, October 22, 2018
My heart aches. Pam always made the world a better and more beautiful place. I am sending my love to you, Penny, and my heartfelt condolences to you, Jennifer, and to Pam’s and your families.
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Cheryl Shuster posted a condolence
Monday, October 22, 2018
I was lucky to be Pam's 'up the street' nieghbour when I lived on Roslin in the 80's. She was an amazingly creative and fun person - we always had great conversations. My deepest condolences to all of her family on this painful loss. May her memory always be a blessing.
Cheryl Shuster
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Sacha Bell posted a condolence
Monday, October 22, 2018
From as long as I can remember Pam treated her nieces and nephews as one of her own, she had high expectations for us and always pushed us to be better versions of ourselves. She created a safe haven and some much-needed structure for me during periods of my childhood. She is the ultimate caregiver and mother to so many. A warmth and maternal aura that you can feel in your bones.
There is always something to learn from her: about art, about cooking, about gardening, about grammar or pronunciation ;) She never lost her sense of humour and she always kept me on my toes. I hope to be 1/10th of the mother that she was.
We love you, Pam. I think of you everytime I dig into the earth to plant something new or cook something delicious for my friends and family. ❤️
Your niece,
Sacha
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Bob Leonard posted a condolence
Monday, October 22, 2018
Pam, an amazing person, with one of the great laughs, a inspiration too all that met you...God bless
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Penelope Bell uploaded photo(s)
Monday, October 22, 2018
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Aimee posted a condolence
Monday, October 22, 2018
My aunt Pam was an indescribable force: a beautiful, brilliant, strong woman with a razor sharp wit, the warmest laugh and the most incredible host you’ve ever met. She was always in the midst of preparing complex and stunning meals, which always had an open seat for anyone who showed up. She would insist on teaching her skills: everything I cook, I think (in aspiration) “what would Pam do”
No matter who you brought home, Pam could strike up a conversation just about anything, and somehow always had a pristine hardcover book on the topic nearby. She loved art and saw the beauty in so much—even a childish hand drawing was a clever work of “Art Brut”. She was an incredible gift giver (giving
thoughtful gifts even well into her diagnosis) and the most stylish person I’ve ever met (who else could reinvent themselves with green hair and doc martens in their 60’s and still look as elegant as ever). She taught me to never settle for anything but the best (though she would think this line was corny) and she taught me life was more interesting if you were confident, surrounded yourself with what you loved, and constantly put yourself out there to keep learning and taking in the world.
Thank you Pam for letting me show up and sleepover 1 million times, and for always talking about life with me over a coffee in the morning. Thank you for teaching me it’s cool to be confident and it’s cool to love unapologetically.
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Aimee posted a condolence
Monday, October 22, 2018
My aunt Pam was an indescribable force: a beautiful, brilliant, strong woman with a razor sharp wit, the warmest laugh and the most incredible host you’ve ever met. She was always in the midst of preparing complex and stunning meals, which always had an open seat for anyone who showed up. She would insist on teaching her skills: everything I cook, I think (in aspiration) “what would Pam do”
No matter who you brought home, Pam could strike up a conversation just about anything, and somehow always had a pristine hardcover book on the topic nearby. She loved art and saw the beauty in so much—even a childish hand drawing was a clever work of “Art Brut”. She was an incredible gift giver (giving
thoughtful gifts even well into her diagnosis) and the most stylish person I’ve ever met (who else could reinvent themselves with green hair and doc martens in their 60’s and still look as elegant as ever). She taught me to never settle for anything but the best (though she would think this line was corny) and she taught me life was more interesting if you were confident, surrounded yourself with what you loved, and constantly put yourself out there to keep learning and taking in the world.
Thank you Pam for letting me show up and sleepover 1 million times, and for always talking about life with me over a coffee in the morning. Thank you for teaching me it’s cool to be confident and it’s cool to love unapologetically.
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Cynthia Evans posted a condolence
Monday, October 22, 2018
We are so truly heartbroken to hear this news. Having grown up (with my brother Doug) as the honorary 6th and 7th Bell kids when we lived in the coach house with our mother, we have so many amazing memories of Pam and her family indelibly etched in our hearts. Sending a huge hug to Penny, Jennifer, TAC, Mark, the Rabnetts and all the Bell children and grandchildren. Pam was truly one in a million.
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Liam Connor uploaded photo(s)
Monday, October 22, 2018
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Laura Glowicki posted a condolence
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Although I was only lucky enough to be in her presence a few times, Pam was an undeniably great and powerful soul. Julie, let's always share and laugh and celebrate your mother's spirit when you come back to us in Calgary. Love you so much. Laura xoxoxoxo
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Jenn Reid Holtby posted a condolence
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Now THAT is an obituary! What a beautiful and full life she lived, albeit, much too short.
My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. Hugs and love to you!
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Allie and Family lit a candle
Sunday, October 21, 2018
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The family of Pamela Jane Bell uploaded a photo
Sunday, October 21, 2018
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The family of Pamela Jane Bell uploaded a photo
Sunday, October 21, 2018
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The family of Pamela Jane Bell uploaded a photo
Sunday, October 21, 2018
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The family of Pamela Jane Bell uploaded a photo
Sunday, October 21, 2018
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