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BEATRICE MARIE SMITH BELL THOMAS

September 25, 2005

Known to her friends as "Bea" and "Mother" to her children, Beatrice passed away on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005 at Maplewood House, Abbotsford, BC.

Beatrice Marie Smith was born Sept. 29, 1926 to Louise (Leapard) and Walter Scott Smith, in a farmhouse in Springwater, Sask. She lived her childhood in Biggar, Sask., leaving for BC in 1945.Mother always spoke with amazement of her first sight of the sea of daffodils in the Fraser Valley and the smell of the ocean for the first time. Beatrice married in 1946 to Fred Bell and raised a family of four in Coquitlam. Mother's ability to put together a tasty meal with few ingredients is still marvelled at by her children. She worked professionally as a cook, but most would have considered her a talented chef.

Bea was predeceased by her husband Fred (1966); brother Alan (1974); brother George (1975); and mother Louise (1987). Beatrice was predeceased by a second husband, Alfred Thomas.

Left to remember Beatrice are her children Jim Astels, Ferne Dalton, Larry (Barb) Bell, Stephen (Susie) Bell, April (Chris) Raven, as well as her son-in-law Greg Dalton who always made her laugh; her 11 grandchildren she loved so very much; two great granddaughters and two more babies on the way. She also leaves her sister Elnora of Calgary and many nieces and nephews. Her long time friend Alpha also mourns her passing. Bea lived her life with persistence and self reliance and fought her toughest battle for the last 27 months. We are proud of her and miss her, but relieved that she has found rest. Peace be with you Mother!

The family wishes to thank the entire staff at Maplewood House who provided wonderful and compassionate care to Bea.

A gathering to remember Bea followed by dinner will be held on October 30 at the home of her daughter, April.

Those wishing to attend can contact either April or Stephen for more details. No flowers please, but donations in Beatrice's name can be made to Maplewood House residents' fund or to the BC Alzheimer's Association.



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