Marguerite H Bell

It is with deep sadness we announce that Marguerite Bell (née Boullet) passed away peacefully at the age of 92 in Nanaimo, B.C., surrounded by family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband John in 2017, who she spent more than 60 years with.

Marguerite was born in Glasgow, Scotland, the eldest of three children and grew up in Elie, Fife. She attended Dollar Academy in Sterling, Scotland, one of the top academic schools in the country where she won numerous academic and athletic awards.

Marguerite attended the newly established School of Physiotherapy at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. After briefly working in Scotland, Marguerite moved to Canada in 1954 to work for the Canadian Arthritis and Rheumatism Society in Nelson B.C. as a mobile physiotherapist. She was one of only 150 physiotherapists working in BC. She was a trailblazer in the new profession of physiotherapy.

In 1955, she transferred to Montreal’s Queen Alexandra Hospital, the infectious disease hospital for Quebec, treating patients with polio and tuberculosis.

In Montreal, Marguerite reconnected with childhood friend, John Bell, who she grew up with in Elie. They married in 1957, and settled in Brockville, Ontario, and opened a corner store. Marguerite also continued to work as a physiotherapist. Later they moved to Chicago for two years for John’s work with Tourism Canada and then to Ottawa in 1967.

Marguerite was proud to become a Canadian citizen in 1961.

Marguerite worked as a physiotherapist at the Ottawa Civic Hospital for 20 years, obtaining her Hospital Management Certification and becoming the director of the department. She was a strong leader who was admired and respected in her profession.

In Ottawa, Marguerite and John were avid golfers, belonging to Cedar Hill Golf & Country Club. In the winters, they enjoyed skiing with family on the local slopes and trails. They were also involved and enjoyed dancing with the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.

After retiring in 1988, they moved to Qualicum Beach, B.C., to be close to their daughters. Here, Marguerite opened a private physiotherapy clinic that she operated for three years.

In 1998, they moved to Nanaimo to live within walking distance of their daughters and grandchildren. They were active with the Nanaimo Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. Marguerite was an accomplished dancer who enjoyed teaching for many years and became a member of the Teachers’ Association. Both she and John enjoyed the socials, classes, balls, and workshops with the many friends they shared their love of dancing with.

Marguerite delighted in spending time with her grandchildren and traveling with John to Sri Lanka, Scotland, on Alaska cruises, and around B.C., where she cheered on her grandchildren at their various activities. She was an avid reader, an expert sewer and knitter.

Marguerite was a dedicated mother, and an active and devoted “Gaga” to her grandchildren. She was open-minded and inclusive, and embodied a strength of sprit, unending generosity and unfailing kindness to everyone she encountered.

Marguerite will be greatly missed by her loving family, daughters Margaret Corcoran and Jeanette Harper (Ian); grandchildren Sean (Natalie), Michael, and Liam Corcoran, Aimée, Julie and Hannah Harper; great-grandchildren Elliot, Avery and August Corcoran; sister Aimee Roger in Oakville and brother Victor Boullet (Grete) in Norway; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Margaret and Jeanette would like to thank the staff at Nanaimo Senior’s Village for the wonderful care Marguerite received during the last six months of her life.

A private family service in Scotland to be held at a later date. No flowers please.