Junction Triangle

Sadly Hilary Bell died a few days ago due to cancer. Hilary was known in many circles for her tireless community work and advocacy for improving communities. She was involved in creating Railpath, the natural garden along Dundas, the murals under the Wallace Bridge to name but a few. She was a fair but formidable foe to developers, Metrolinx, and politicians when she needed to be but never lost her sense of humour and the desire for a hearty bike ride. This obit is provided by the family and there will be more news to follow. I note that the wonderful picture of Hilary was taken at the official opening of Railpath.

Hilary Bell

Hilary Jane Bell
1946 – 2011
It is with profound sadness that we announce Hilary’s passing at home, in the early hours of September 2, 2011, with her family at her side exactly two months short of her 65th birthday.

Hilary had felt that something was wrong late last September and was diagnosed with an aggressive form of ovarian cancer just before Christmas. She succumbed to the effects of the disease to her body fairly suddenly after a rapid decline over the last few weeks.

Wonderful wife, partner and best friend of Michael Beerden. Amazing mother to Shelagh Kitney (Alex Poei) and Christopher Kitney (Jessica Parker). Survived by their father Richard Kitney. Survived by her mother Mary Bell and siblings Jacqueline McFee (Bob), Alayne Korczynski, and Geoffrey Bell (Susan). Predeceased by her father Philip Bell, and brother in law Maurizio Korczynski (Moe).

Hilary lived a simple life with her family and appreciated the small things. She believed in small communities having a central role in people’s lives and was involved in local initiatives all her life. After living with her parents in Ontario, Quebec, England and Scotland (her father was in the RCAF), she worked as a teacher before and after earning a BA in English Language and Literature from Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario. For many years she was involved with volunteer work that took her to Kenya, Nigeria, England, Belgium, Malaysia, and the USA.

Upon her return to Canada, she worked as an editor, technical and business writer and consultant, for the latter part with her own business. In the last ten years her biggest client was the Royal Bank of Canada, for whom she annually updated their in-house investment curriculum and exam for investment advisers. Dedicated and determined, she often worked through the night to meet deadlines.

Some of the many community and neighborhood projects she was involved with include the West Bend Community Association, the Junction Business Improvement Area, Railside Cooperative Garden of Native Species, West Toronto Rail Path and the Metrolinx Dundas West - Bloor Mobility Hub. At times her opinion was asked and valued by our local City Counselor.

Hilary was very well read, she was always well informed on current events and news about many different subjects. She had a keen interest in the arts, particularly in literature, film, architecture and live theatre. Her hobbies included reading, gardening, genealogy and Pilates.
She will be greatly missed.

A private cremation and internment is planned. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Romero House, Toronto (www.romerohouse.org), a place Hilary supported during her life.
Correspondence to mmjbeerden@sympatico.ca or Michael Beerden, 38 Jerome St., Toronto, Ontario M6P 1H7.