Joan (Jo) Bell

February 2, 1945 - February 19, 2024

In loving memory ~

Born Salford, Lancashire. England to Edward and Vera Bell. Pre-deceased by her parents and her siblings Anthony, John and Patricia.

She is survived by her long-time partner David of 21 years and her beloved dog Charlie.

Following the death of her mother at 8 years old, Jo lived in a Children's home, Our Lady of Lourdes' in Lancashire, England. When she was 15, she went back to her home and her Father to raise her siblings, which she did with support of her Godparents. Janet "Muffeh" O'Brien and Janet's family.

Jo started nursing at 15 as a Nursing Cadet. She went on to complete her Nursing Training, graduating with her SRN. Following her General Nursing Training she went on to Midwifery Training School, graduating with her SCM. When she came to Canada in 1972, she passed her BC Registered Nurse exams and became an RN. Jo's nursing career took her to positions in the UK, Nanaimo Hsp, Women's Hsp and mentoring UBC Nursing Students in Midwifery. Jo was passionate about her profession and was a role model to many. She was a compassionate and loving person with a huge heart.

She loved her home and family, and her 'fur' babies. The door was always open and the kettle on for whoever came by. She loved Christmas and the house would always be decorated to the rafters. Jo had a wicked sense of humour, and true to her North Country heritage she was never short of a quip, sometimes to the extreme discomfort of the recipient and those around!

For the past several years, Dementia has claimed Jo's spirit and love of life. Eden Gardens in Nanaimo has provided wonderful care to Jo during these challenging years.

A gathering to celebrate Jo's life will take place at Jo & David's home on May 11th, 2024, between 2 - 4pm