Dorothy Anne Bell

Dorothy Silvester was born September 9, 1932 in Vancouver BC. She passed away peacefully on June 19th, 2020 at Laurel Place Hospice. Dorothy’s health decline began in 2017, but she was determined to stay at home as long as possible and was able to do so with the care of her family and home health support workers.

She was predeceased by her husband Charles Edwin (Ed) A’Court (b. January 17, 1932 d. February 6, 1969, married February 19 1960 – all in Vancouver BC) and husband William (Bill) Bell (b. June 18, 1930 Rockglen, SK d. October 19, 2014 Abbotsford, BC, m. June 15, 1974 Vancouver, BC)

Mother Emily Silvester (nee Patterson) (b. May 20 1900 Glasgow, Scotland d. January 14 1986 Burnaby, BC)

Father Cyril Silvester (b. November 26, 1893 Sheffield, England d. March 25 1957, Vancouver, BC)

Brother John Silvester (b. April 13, 1931 Vancouver, BC d. February 18, 2017, Langley, BC)

Survived by her children Heather (Emile), Wayne, Lynn, Marguerite (Reg), Dave, and grandchildren Anna (Mike), Matthew (Mia) Diane, and Emily. Also survived by brother Robert Silvester (Alice), as well as nieces and nephews John, Donald, Janis, Warren and Lori and their families.

Dorothy’s early years were spent at Vancouver’s Cecil Rhodes Elementary School and enjoying family outings in the 1930’s to the beaches of Vancouver at Spanish Banks, Kitsilano and 2nd Beach. She took swimming lessons at Lumberman’s Arch in Stanley Park, and swimming in lakes and oceans became a favourite activity throughout her lifetime. The Silvester Family also piled into the car for adventures to White Rock, Horseshoe Bay, Mount Baker, Grouse Mountain, and Penticton.

Dorothy (Dot) graduated from Vancouver’s Fairview High School of Commerce in 1950 with the coveted title of Valedictorian. Here she learned Pitman Shorthand and many other clerical skills that led to future employment. Her first job was at Vancouver Motors as an executive secretary. In later years she furthered her studies at business school and handled the books and accounting for British Car Parts Ltd in North Vancouver, owned by her husband Ed. When Ed passed away, she continued to run the accounting and manage the properties at 1877 Marine Dr until she sold the business in 1988.

Throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s and beyond, Dorothy (Dot) enjoyed spending time with family and close friends. As a member of the Women’s Division of the Sports Car Club of BC, she attended many rallies, and cheered on her husband Ed racing at Westwood and around the province. There were also many camping and fishing excursions with friends to Ruby Lake, Hackmatack, Shuswap, Pennask, Ucluelet, Manning Park and Cultus Lake where a lot of laughs, good times (shenanigans) and great memories were made.

Dorothy’s hobbies over later years included Friday night bowling at the Town ‘n’ Country Lanes in the Blue Boy hotel with her second husband Bill. Golfing was a huge part of their life and she belonged to many Clubs; Surrey, Tsawwassen, Guildford and Delta Ladies Golf Clubs as well as the Surrey C.P. mixed Club. The C.P. Club hosted an annual Penticton Tournament and regular Saturday night dinners that were always looked forward to. Other trips to Hawaii, Reno, Wendover, Laughlin and Cruising were among her favourites. More recently, she became a member of the North Delta Newcomers & Friends.

Mom loved the water and the sun. Of all the places she visited over her lifetime, the family cabin at Ruby Lake was closest to her heart and was her favourite place to be; swimming, sasquatch tales, big breakfasts, boating and fishing, card playing, crafting, outhouse digging, Easter egg hunts, building projects, turkeys cooked in the woodstove, crosswords and jigsaws, campfires and water sports. Since 1959, so many fond memories and great adventures with family and friends.

Ever a strong woman, and with great convictions…her final wishes were very clear. She wanted a small and private family gathering and no formal service or celebration of life. If you would like to honour Dorothy, please share your thoughts, memories or stories with us here.