Passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Huronview Home for the Aged, Clinton on Monday, October 24, 2022 at the age of 96. Survived by her children Carol, Laurie (David Harron), Lee (Judy) and Julie (Robert McCormick) as well as 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Lovingly remembered by her Waddington step-children Russell (PauIine), Ray (EmiIy), Cheryl (CIiffe), Rhonda (Dave), and their families. Predeceased by both of her husbands Neil Bell and Clifford Waddington, siblings Elmer, Earl, George, Glen, Arthur, Helen and Bess, and her parents Thomas and Isabella.
Mum was a lifelong learner and teacher. Known as Mrs. Bell to generations of kids in Egremont Township, Staffa, Vanastra and Seaforth, she threw her all into launching them successfully into life as she did with the four of her own.
Born in Mt. Forest to Thomas Strickland Sockett and Isabella Duguid Wilson she grew up during the Great Depression, working at the local bakery from the age of 13 to assist with family expenses. She graduated high school where she excelled academically. She played both hockey and tennis. She earned her teaching certificate in Hamilton then began her career at the tender age of 18 in a one room school.
She married Neil Campbell Bell in July 1950 and moved to Seaforth a little over a year later. She was a fulltime mother as her children arrived, returning to school when the youngest started kindergarten. She taught full time until 1986 and volunteered as a tutor for several years after that.
Mum was a past president of the Seaforth United Church Women and a lifelong member of the choir. She was an inveterate member of the Seaforth Lawn Bowling Club, volunteered for years at the Food Bank as well as Meals On Wheels.
She was family-oriented and a history buff who conferred to research our genealogy with Uncle Art. She was thrilled to visit her ancestral homes in England, Scotland and Ireland.
It was impossible to outsmart Mum. We tried. She was strict but always fair, generous, and kind. She was the last of her generation and we find comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with so many of her loved ones who have gone on before.
The family would like to thank the staff at Huronview as well as Maplewood Manor for caring for our mother as her health deteriorated in recent years.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at the Northside United Church, 54 Goderich Street West, Seaforth on Saturday, November 12th from 1 – 4 with words of remembrance starting at 1 PM in the upstairs hall. If you are unable to attend in person, the family invites you to join with them from the comfort of your home. Stream the service live by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh. A private family graveside service will be held at Maitland Bank Cemetery at a later date.
Donations to Seaforth & District Foodbank or the Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Lois Dalton
Carol, Laurie, Lee and Julie
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. She was the best.plus she was my awesome favourite teacher. Even though I moved away Inever forgot Morales and values she taught me. Coming in or out on hyw# 8 she was in my thoughts. She lite up when talking of Carol and Laurie when they had left Seaforth. Sorry
Lee and Julie you were still at home. She was proud of all of you. Needless to say I know how much you all are going to miss my Favourite Teacher.
Janet and Jim Papple
Your Mom, Edna was a very caring and generous woman. She only knew Tyler because of his vegetable and flower stand and Neil would come out and pick peas for their grandchildren before a visit. He did not go to her church or school but one day she signed the back of what she called an extra government cheque she had received and gave it to him because he had been robbed and his cameras damaged the night before.
Also my parents attended Northside and I also until I was married and knew of her great participation there as well. My sympathies. Janet
Angela Huether (Phillips) & Dave Huether
Julie and the entire Bell family. Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your beloved mother. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Remember all the good times you shared together.
Marie &Jim Henderson
Are deepest sympathy Laurie Carol Julie Lee and all the family are thoughts are with you at this time
Beata Malkus Spraggs
Dear Carol, Laurie, Lee and Julie:
Both my brother Ed and sister Monica texted to let me know of your mother’s death. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
As she was never my teacher I don’t have any school memories to share with you of how she inspired me etc but I do recall she was a good friend to my mother Ruth in the years they were both home bound with young children: two intelligent women who carved out time once or twice a month for a lengthy phone call to discuss ideas, politics and literature.
(I suspect some months those phone calls might have been my mother’s sanity. I do recall she soon trained us not to interrupt).
Then, when your mom went back to work, my mom was delighted that she was Ed’s grade six (?) teacher- “someone sensible” who would be setting standards and expecting her students to live up to them (in the days of “let it be”).
So although our families didn’t really connect socially apart from being in Junior Choir at the same time, my memories of your mom are all of an intelligent gracious woman who expected the best of others and didn’t let them get away with rudeness or unkindness. She will be missed.
Again, my condolences to you and your families on this sad event. May God grant you His peace at this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Beata Malkus Spraggs.
Anne Wilbee
Carol, Laurie, Lee and Julie. I just heard about your Mother and it conjured up many wonderful memories of your family and mine. Your Mother was so wonderful to my Dad when he was injured and both your Mother and Dad had such an amazing relationship with my parents. Remember the days going to the pinery. Your Mom was such a hoot. I know she will be missed and my thoughts are with you thru this difficult time.
Brenda (Papple) Coonan
Julie, your mom truly was one of a kind. Flashbacks of her smile and laughter and the smells of baking pop up immediately when I think of her. I can only imagine what she is getting into ‘up there’. Hugs to you, Carol, Laurie and Lee and all the extensions.
Kathy McNichol
Such an amazing lady!Edna’s good morning greeting always started our day off right!We had so much fun with your mom!Just telling a co-worker about the dumpster diving for your mom.She will be missed by all of you but her stories and memories will be with you guys forever!She definitely was one of a kind!
Stephen and Christina Mabb
Hi Laurie and Dave. Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Always enjoyed seeing your parents when we worked together in Stratford.
Kathy & Don Pletsch
We are so sorry to hear of Edna’s passing. Besides being an outstanding teacher, she also had the ability to make each student feel special. Both our kids loved being in Mrs. Bell’s class. Her kindness, interest in others and her sense of humour will always be remembered. I wish every child had at least one “Mrs. Bell” during their school years.
Arlene van den Akker
We are so sorry to hear of Edna’s passing. I taught with her for many years and she was always a wonderful friend and teacher.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. We know she will be missed.
Sincerely,
Arlene and Ben van den Akker
Neil and Janet Mather
We are sad to hear of Edna’s passing, and have missed her as she has faded gradually from our life over the past few years. She truly inherited the gene from the Wilson family: cheerful, extroverted, quick with a smile and a rejoinder; and she passed it along. Our sympathy with our friends who are now facing her absence.
Mary (Oke) Wilson
Dear Laurie, Carol, Lee, Julie and Family.
I have such treasured memories, growing up in Seaforth and of the friendship between our families. Your beloved Mum was a loving, caring person and she touched so many lives with her passion for people and her gentle kindness. Her greatest joy was her beautiful family. She will always be in your heart and in the hearts of everyone that loved her.
Love & Memories
Mary (Oke) Wilson
Len and Jane Sills Muegge
Carol, Laurie, Lee and Julie – so very sorry to of Mum’s passing. What a wonderful lady she was and what great times we had as neighbours. As kids, we got to play together and our parents enjoyed getting together – we were blessed
Thinking of all of you
Gwen and John Patterson
To the Bell family; we are so saddened by the loss of Edna. What a wonderful lady. I had the privilege of teaching with Edna at Seaforth Public School for 15 years. She was so dedicated, compassionate and always fair. Every Christmas she treated the staff with her homemade shortbread cookies shaped like little wreaths. My mouth still waters when I think of them…as I always do at Christmas time. We even organized a Christmas Cookie Exchange in hopes of receiving some of those mouthwatering gems. May these memories help to comfort you.
Joan Pinder Moore
To the Waddington/Bell families
Edna was a wonderful neighbour, a kind, compassionate person who enriched all of our lives. She was most forgiving when my horse ran through her backyard, leaving her garden in disarray. I watched Carol, Laurie, Julie and Lee grow up. Mark, Andrea and I remembered fondly Julie’s frequent visits to our home.
When I moved to Crest Beach, I was so fortunate to become best friends with Cheryl, Edna’s stepdaughter. I know how much Cheryl treasured her weekly visits with Edna. Cheryl felt very lucky to have had two loving, caring mothers. It was her pleasure to care for Edna when her health was in decline. She looked forward to her visits with Edna, taking her to her appointments, making her look and feel beautiful, and baking her special treats. Edna’s passing will leave a huge hole in the hearts of all those fortunate enough to have known her.
Gary Jewitt
My condolences to all the family.Edna sure helped me out in many ways when I arrived at Seaforth Public as VP in 1968.She was so kind ,understanding &helpful to all.
Floyd & Mary Johnston
Our sincere condolences to all of you.
Mary Longstaff
Dear Bell Family. I would like to offer our sincere condolences to you all from my family and my mother Zena Stephaniuk.
Your mom and dad are fondly remembered. Both our fathers were in the army together and my dad and mom ended up in Seaforth after many years. I was surprised back in 1973 when I spoke of our seaforth family and my dad said. “Do you know Neil Bell?” Of course David did and said he and friends always went to the garage and got (maybe pilfered )candy and a pop. Your dad would always chase them away. We had a good chuckle over that. Reconnecting was so nice for us all and dad went over to your house for a game of cribbage. Your mom was always so nice and kind. That’s how I’ll remember your Mom and her open greetings. May she join everyone in the everlasting and we are all blessed to meet and know her.
Sincerely Mary Longstaff and Family Zena Stephaniuk
Cathie (Sim) Alexander
My sincere condolences to Carol, Laurie, Lee, Julie and families. I have found memories of both Edna and Neil and the good times our family had with them. On behalf of the Sim family, my thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Joan Campbell
Sending my sincere sympathy to the Bell family. Your mother will be remembered by all who have known her. She enjoyed music as long as she was able to sing. I enjoyed her company when I picked her up to
attend practise both in Northside choir and Huron Song. She gave her candid opinion on many subjects and was an inspiration to all who have known her. I will cherish the memories.
Dick Burgess
Carol, Laurie, Lee, Julie and families, My sympathies on the passing of your mother, Edna. She was a special person to generations in the Seaforth community. Edna leaves a great legacy.
Jamie & Barb Caldwell
Dear Julie, so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. Her memorial picture is exactly as I remember her. She had such a lovely smile. Take care
Joyce Ribey
My sincere sympathy is extended to Mrs Bell’s family and friends. What a well lived life she has lived! Rest in peace and let us celebrate the special memories we have of her.
Joanne (Bode) Drennan
Sending my sincere sympathy to the Bell family.
Your mother was my grade 6 teacher at Seaforth Public in 1968-69. She was very supportive of our public speaking endeavours, encouraged us to memorize poetry on a weekly basis, and she loved trying out new language arts ideas in our class. She also helped us settle many social problems and disputes that year, trusting that we would make the right choices in the end. Long after leaving school, Mrs. Bell still remembered me by name and always showed an interest in what I was doing.
Mrs. Bell was a wonderful lady!
Cherish the memories you have of your mother.
Tammy Martene
My heartfelt condolences to you at this time. Mrs. Bell was my Gr 8 teacher and she was truly a lovely and respected person. Definitely a favourite teacher of mine and she touched a lot of lives at Seaforth Public School and the community. “To teach is to touch a life forever”
Tammy (Driscoll) Martene
Craig Brown
So sorry for your loss ,a great many of my childhood memories revolve around the whole Bell clan and will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Rev. Dr. Sheila Macgregor
What a lovely, kind, and gifted woman! I remember your mother fondly from the time i was at Northside and was honoured to conduct her second marriage. She was so intelligent and you could tell she was a born teacher. Yours is the memory of a mother you can always love and respect! My deepest sympathies and prayers. “Well done thou good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord.”
Larry and Dianne McGrath
We offer our condolences in the loss of Edna. She was a respected member of our community. Our thoughts are with you.
Carolanne Doig
Well another Seaforth “icon” is gone. Edna was the kind of teacher and community citizen we all wished to be. Even at the age of 96 it’s hard to reconcile. She left many touched by her teachings and community work. What a legacy! My sincere sympathy to the Bell families. Rejoice in her 96 years!
Eric Waddington
Loved taking Edna and Cliff around the historical sites of Lancashire UK. She was an absolute joy to be in the company of.
So knowledgeable and She spurred our youngest daughter, to chase and achieve her dream of being a English teacher. Love to All her family, for a Wonderful Lady and a life well lived. Xx
Anne, and Maurice Power, and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with our beautiful Julie and all the Bell family on the the loss of dear Edna. We remember the lovely chats over coffee in Julie’s kitchen. Such an interesting and welcoming lady. A lady through and through.
Nancy Moses
Julie, Carol, Laurie and Lee, we are very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother Edna. I have so many happy and cherished memories of spending time with Julie and her family. Edna was a warm and welcoming lady, very special. You have our deepest and heartfelt sympathies, Nancy and Jeffery Moses
John & Elaine Penner, Mark & Lynne
Our condolences to the Bell family on the loss of Edna. Out children have fond memories of her as a teacher and I have fond memories of Edna in the choir and working along side of her in Northside UCW. She certainly was a great lady to look up to for guidance and friendship.
Anne Marie Smith
Our sincere condolences to the family. She was a great lady.
Anne Marie and David Smith
Bruce and Sharon Wilbee
Carol, Laurie, Lee and Julie
We are saddened to hear of your mother’s passing.
Our parents, our children, and ourselves have so many
great memories of your family. From church, school,
cards and dancing, to vacations .
She was a wonderful woman and will be greatly missed.
Hennie Farwell. (Hoekstra)
I had the special privilege of being Edna’s colleague and being her next door neighbour when I began my teaching career in 1970. Me on my
own at twenty and finding a special soul who helped me alone the way.
Vivid memories come to mind …….talks in the back yard ,homemade soup when I was sick and an abundance of love , respect and laughter. God has called a gem home. ❤️❤️
Trudy Groothuis (Broome)
I have many fond memories of your mom: she taught all three of my children, attended book club at the library after her retirement and through many church functions. She lived a full life, and left the world a better place. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Marlene(Nash)/ Dave de Vries
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Edna. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Treasure the Memories!
Katie and Wink Teall
Wink and I are so sorry for your loss. She was a great friend over the years. My children love Edna as a teacher . Scott spent a lot of time at your house in the summers when her grandson Andy would come to visit. To this day he talks about Edna and what fun he and Andy had. He especially remembers her chilli. Our condolences to all of you.
Gerry, Kathy and Derek Cooper
She was a true “lady”!
Sending our sympathy to Mrs. Bell’s family!
Tammy McCann(Kennedy)
My condolences to the family of Mrs.Bell. Edna was an amazing teacher who taught me in grade 5 at SPS .
Paul & JoAnne Matthews
Our prayers and thoughts are with the whole family.
Mary Barnes Kelly
Mrs. Bell was a wonderful teacher. I remember her conducting science experiments and going to school herself at night so she could come in the next day and teach us the ‘ new math’. All in our one room school near Staffa. She also took me to the theatre for the first time and shared her family with me too. She enriched my life. Thank you, Mrs. Bell
Ellen Sockett
Our condolences to the family in the loss of your dear Mom. Aunt Edna had a sweet charm about her..always with a smile and added humour. She was the surviving anchor to our annual Sockett Reunion and will be missed. Love and hugs to the family.
Margaret McInroy
Mrs. Bell will be remembered by many, many students as the thoughtful and kind individual that taught us.
My condolences to the family.
Margaret (Shortreed) McInroy
Tracy (Bosman) McLennan
To the Bell and Waddington families,
Mrs. Bell was my Grade 5 teacher in 1980-81 at Seaforth PS and was one of the biggest influences on my decision to become a teacher. In all honesty, she was one of my absolute favourites. Six years ago, when she had a 90th birthday celebration, I was unable to attend. However, I found myself teaching Co-Op that year to high school students and, on a visit to see a student on placement, I found myself driving by her former home on Hwy 8. I immediatly turned around, bought her some flowers, and paid a visit to her at the Seaforth Manor. She still remembered me..36 years later. I was so lucky to talk to her about being a history/English teacher and how her love of teaching influenced me to become the teacher I am today. I know the loss you are feeling is great. Mrs. Bell was simply amazing. Please know that she touched many lives and she will be remembered by so many people…this former student being one. My deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Tracy (Bosman) McLennan
Tracy and Greg Emmerton
Our condolences on the passing of Edna. We have so many fond memories of her that we will cherish. She was such an amazing woman!
John & Michelle Wilson
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Your Mom was a Dear Lady!
Sincerely,
John and Michelle Wilson and family
Heidi and Ted and family
Sheila Feeney
My deepest sympathy to all of ” Mrs Bells” family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Having had her as a teacher many years ago and a friend she was an amazing woman. Always a smile and twinkle in her eye. Keep all your precious memories of her close to help you through the difficult days ahead.Heaven welcomed another angel to watch over all of you.hugs
Helen Southgate & family
Sending our sincere condolences to the “Bell clan” at this sad time. Remembering your mother (and father) with fondness and how much my parents, Fred and Betty Tilley, enjoyed their company through the years, whether on the bowling green, the dance floor, out for dinner or seated around the cribbage board with the gang. It was so kind of you, Julie, to personally let my parents know of your mother’s passing. They share your sorrow.
Sending thoughts and prayers.
Steve Bennett
My condolences to the family on the passing of your mother. Mrs Bell was my favourite teacher and I loved to art work for her in class. She was a gem.
Bryan and Lynda Vincent
Earned great respect for Edna starting at Seaforth Public School. Crossing paths many times, last being at Northside United Church. Such a great Lady. Our sympathies to all of the family!
Jim and Gene baynham
We are saddened to learn of Edna’s passing. I remember my Mum thinking what good friends and neighbors Edna and Neil always were. Blessings are sent from Nixons Hill.
Marissa (Scott) Berdan
Always a pleasure to sit and visit with Edna, she was always incredibly kind & well humoured. Sending prayers and hugs to you all. May your memories bring you comfort at this time.
Leo and Eileen Greidanus
Our thoughts are with the family at this time.
She lived a very eventful life and will be missed by many.
She really was a one of a kind and our sympathy to all