Passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Huronview Home for the Aged, Clinton on Monday, October 24, 2022 at the age of 96. Survived by her children Carol, Laurie (David Harron), Lee (Judy) and Julie (Robert McCormick) as well as 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Predeceased by both of her husbands Neil Bell and Clifford Waddington, siblings Elmer, Earl, George, Glen, Arthur, Helen and Bess, and her parents Thomas and Isabella.
Mum was a lifelong learner and teacher. Known as Mrs. Bell to generations of kids in Egremont Township, Staffa, Vanastra and Seaforth, she threw her all into launching them successfully into life as she did with the four of her own.
Born in Mt. Forest to Thomas Strickland Sockett and Isabella Duguid Wilson she grew up during the Great Depression, working at the local bakery from the age of 13 to assist with family expenses. She graduated high school where she excelled academically. She played both hockey and tennis. She earned her teaching certificate in Hamilton then began her career at the tender age of 18 in a one room school.
She married Neil Campbell Bell in July 1950 and moved to Seaforth a little over a year later. She was a fulltime mother as her children arrived, returning to school when the youngest started kindergarten. She taught full time until 1986 and volunteered as a tutor for several years after that.
Mum was a past president of the Seaforth United Church Women and a lifelong member of the choir. She was an inveterate member of the Seaforth Lawn Bowling Club, volunteered for years at the Food Bank as well as Meals On Wheels.
She was family-oriented and a history buff who conferred to research our genealogy with Uncle Art. She was thrilled to visit her ancestral homes in England, Scotland and Ireland.
It was impossible to outsmart Mum. We tried. She was strict but always fair, generous, and kind. She was the last of her generation and we find comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with so many of her loved ones who have gone on before.
The family would like to thank the staff at Huronview as well as Maplewood Manor for caring for our mother as her health deteriorated in recent years.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at the Seaforth United Church, 54 Goderich Street West, Seaforth on Saturday, November 12th from 1 – 4 with words of remembrance starting at 1 PM in the upstairs hall. If you are unable to attend in person, the family invites you to join with them from the comfort of your home. Stream the service live by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh. A private family graveside service will be held at Maitlandbank Cemetery at a later date.
Donations to Seaforth & District Foodbank or the Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society would be appreciated by the family.
Offer Condolence for the family of WADDINGTON: Edna Mary (Bell) née Sockett of Seaforth
2022
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de WADDINGTON Edna Mary Bell nee Sockett of Seaforth 2022..
Décès pour la Ville:Exeter, Province: Ontario