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Bell; Edna Gwendolyne "Gwen" (nee Switzer) - Having reached her 100 year mark, Gwendolyne Bell passed peacefully away while in the loving care of her family and staff at Helen Henderson Senior’s Residence.
Gwen was predeceased by Howard, her favourite bass vocalist and husband of 63 years. Together they provided many special musical memories in family homes and surrounding venues while busy raising four children.
Gwen was the cherished mother of Brenda (the late Doug Tolson), Barbara (Ron Swallow), Bonita (Robert Foster), and Lawrence (Jacqueline Raison). She was the daughter of the late Fred and Perle Switzer of Desmond and is survived by her brother, LaVerne Switzer of Napanee.
Lovingly remembering their musical Grandma are grandchildren Kelly, Matthew, Mason, Jason, Erin, Paul, Lori, Jordan and Rachel; great grandchildren David, Meghan, Drew, Camille ,Tamara, Taylor, Austin, Braeden, Avery, Sadie, Katie, Alex, Reagan, and Madeline; great-great granddaughter and namesake Gwendolyne and soon to arrive Hannah Elizabeth.
Gwen is fondly remembered by many of her former music pupils whose lives she touched as a devoted music and piano teacher. Her career as a music teacher and supervisor included over 20 elementary schools throughout three Ontario boards. From the time she was a young teen, she served as organist and choir director at her local United Churches including Desmond, Pembroke, Kingston and Newburgh.
In later years, she felt incredibly fortunate to be able to provide entertainment and to play for church services until the very final weeks of her life at her longtime home, Helen Henderson Senior’s Residence.
Gwen was an active member of the UCW and a devoted life member of Frontenac #90 Order of the Eastern Star where she served as organist for many years, as Worthy Matron, as Grand Organist and Grand Representative of Louisiana in Ontario.
Visitation will be held at the Wartman Funeral - Kingston Chapel, 980 Collins Bay Road from 7-9 p.m on Friday, June 15 and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. An Ontario Eastern Star service will commence at 6:45 Friday, June 15, and is open to all other concordant groups.
A Celebration of Life service will commence at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 16, followed by a reception at the funeral home.
Interment will follow at the Bell Family Cemetery, Desmond, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cooke’s Portsmouth United Church or to the Salvation Army.

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