Belle’s Obituary
On February 23, 2020, Belle Foy, a life-long resident of Markdale, passed quietly and peacefully in her sleep in her 85th year. Belle joins beloved husband of 58 years, Eugene Foy, who predeceased her on February 16, 2016. She is survived by her sister Janet Dixon of Shelburne.
Dear mother of Peggy Foy of Haliburton, Jim Foy and Cheryl Pressick of Berkeley, Joe and Shirley Foy of Hamilton, Cathy Foy Sterritt of Brampton, and Anne Foy and Rob Bartnik of Victoria, BC. Beloved Granny to Mark, Becky, Joey, Elizabeth, Kieran, Taryn, Kyle and Cameron. Dear Great-Grandma to Josh, Jon, Sarah, Rachel, Michaela, Arianna, Loughlan, Ruby and Leo.
Belle is predeceased by parents Jack and Margaret Smith, brothers Don and Hugh Smith, sister Kay Murray, sisters-in law Kay and Josephine Smith, brothers-in law Ross Dixon and Bill Murray, and her granddaughter Marsha.
Catharine Mary Belle Smith graduated from the Victoria Hospital Training School for Nurses in September 1958. She and Eugene married the first Saturday after Belle’s graduation on September 13, 1958. Together they forged a busy, happy life raising 5 children in town and farming full time in Holland Township. Eugene operated his independent electrical contractor business and then became head of Markdale Hydro while Belle worked full time as a registered nurse at Markdale Hospital and then as afternoon nursing supervisor at the Mackinnon Phillips Psychiatric Hospital in Owen Sound for many years. Belle and Eugene were active in the community and church throughout their lives, quietly demonstrating in their daily lives the belief that “It is better to give than to receive”.
Belle had a quick wit and brilliant mind and mid-career began distance courses culminating in a hard-earned Bachelor of Arts degree from the Faculty of Social Science, University of Western in October 1981, at age 46. She was very proud that all 5 of her children went on to post-secondary with every graduation photo joining her diploma on the wall.
Belle was a keen card player and not above a little gleeful gloating of the often skinny lone hand making it through. She was also a great storyteller with a gentle sense of humour and a ready smile. To the many who sought her advice through the years, she was a compassionate listener full of wise and kind suggestions. She had a tremendous strength of character and resilience that served her well in her final years after her beloved Eugene passed away, as she worked to stay active and involved in the community.
Belle’s children thank all of the friends and community members who assisted Belle with continuing to live independently these last few years and those at the Markdale Hospital who cared for Belle in her final days.
Family will receive friends at the May Funeral Home, Markdale, on Thursday February 27th, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Cooke’s Presbyterian Church, 14 George St., Markdale, on Friday, February 28, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. Spring interment in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Chatsworth. If desired, donations to the Centre Grey Health Services Foundation in support of the Markdale Hospital would be appreciated.Condolences for the family may be arranged through May Funeral Home, 63 Main St. East, Markdale, ON N0C 1H0 (519-986-3310) www.mayfh.ca.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Belle Foy October 11 1935 February 23 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Markdale, Province: Ontario