It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Bell (nee Thomson) on August 10, 2026 shortly after admittance to the Ottawa General Hospital. Pre-deceased by her husband Allan (2018), Joan is survived by brothers Jim (Diane) and Ron (Arja), sons Jeff (Jennifer) and Greg (Tracy), and cherished grandchildren Emily, Aidan, Josh, Annie and Grace.
Joan was born November 23rd, 1938 in Hamilton, Ontario, but spent her childhood years largely in North Bay and Perth, before moving to Kingston to attend Queens University. Education proved her true calling, and she began her teaching career at Newmarket High School in 1960, teaching mathematics and physical education. It was at this point she met her future husband Allan, and they married in July 1961. After taking a break from the classroom in the late 60s to raise a young family, she returned to teaching in 1978 in Barrie, first at Central Collegiate, and then as part of the initial staff at the newly opened Innisdale Secondary School.
Joan was a dedicated teacher, and loved the opportunity to engage with students and provide them with skills for life; she was also a dedicated mother who loved the summer and the chance it brought for family time at the cottage on Lake of Bays. Here, she took pleasure in the company of summer friends, reading on the front porch, and playing tennis and later golf. She deeply enjoyed her ‘million dollar view’ looking out the bay and across the lake.
Retirement offered new opportunities to travel, which Joan as a keen studier of maps and geography, immensely enjoyed. Trips to Europe, Southern Africa, Australia and New Zealand were particular favourites. Just as wonderful were regular trips to Saskatoon and England to visit grandchildren, or hosting family and friends in Barrie or the cottage. She was also a keen member of her local book and bridge club, and a lifelong downhill skier who enjoyed the slopes into her 70s.
With the passing of Allan, she shortly afterward moved to the Lord Lansdowne Retirement Home in Ottawa, where she greatly enjoyed the fellow residents and caring staff. The move allowed her to be closer to family, and she loved the chance to have regular visits and meals, and be updated on all the family news. She had a strong love of family and felt connected to us all; her attentiveness, intelligence, inquisitive mind, organisational abilities, and caring heart will be deeply missed.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at Beechwood Funeral Home, 280 Beechwood Ave on Saturday August 29th from 4-6pm. A celebration of life will be held at Mackay United Church in Ottawa at 3pm on Sunday August 30th, followed by a reception. Live streaming for the Celebration of life will be provided by MacKay United Church at https://www.mackayunited.ca/. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice. Online condolences and memories may be left at www.beechwoodottawa.ca/memorials.
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