Skip to content
December 17, 1939 - July 22, 2021
We regretfully announce that Marcia Eileen Bell (Spibey), aged 81, passed away peacefully at home on July 22, 2021. By her side were her caring husband of 61 years, Larry, and her children, Michael and Jenny. She is remembered by her three grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, friends, family, and virtually all who knew her.
A native of Vancouver, Marcia was born Dec 17, 1939, and grew up in Kerrisdale. Despite missing a year of classes due to kidney disease, Marcia graduated from McGee High with the rest of her class and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Education from UBC. Although she taught all grades, due to her early life experiences, her main focus and enjoyment was kids with special needs.
In 1960, she married L.I. (Larry) Bell from Prince George. Sixty-one years later, he was by her side as she passed. What more needs to be said?
A lifelong volunteer, she spent 20+ years with the Lions Gate Hospital's Candy Striper Program, and following a kidney transplant in 1987, she devoted much of her time to the Kidney Foundation. She met many lifelong friends through this work and her tireless efforts over the next decade saw her rise through the ranks and elected National President. She was a great leader and knew how to build strong teams - ever the teacher. Her driving passions were in Research and Leadership Training, and she continued her work by joining the Board of the B.C. Renal Agency.
A devoted mother, Marcia passed on the hard-learned lessons of her life. She tended to needs but didn't cater to whims, and as predicted...one day, her kids thanked her for it. As life progressed, she became an equally doting Nana. A doting Nana who brooked no nonsense. Whatever the circumstance and whomever the contender, you had to get up pretty early to pull one over on her...as all who tried quickly learned. She was never one to turn down a good debate. Her love of travel was also bestowed upon her grandchildren and children as she created special trips and memories for each of them.
In later years, Marcia and Larry retired to the Okanagan, but even in there she remained active. Upon moving to Vernon, Marcia joined the North Okanagan Hospice Society and served as its chair. A force to be reckoned with, Marcia made an impression wherever she went, and few were immune to her charm. Her caring giving nature and great laugh will be greatly missed by so many and we are all better for having Marcia in our lives.
At this time, no memorial service is planned.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kidney Foundation of Canada are invited. https://kidney.ca/Get-Involved/Make-a-Gift/In-Memory-Tribute-Donations


Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.