Aged 96 and formerly of Binbrook, died peacefully at CAMA Woodlands in Burlington on May 5 in the arms of family. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Donald Bell, son Donald Stedman Bell, and parents LaVerne Stedman Cary and Gretta Cary. Helen is survived by her daughter Leslie, son Fraser (Teresa), and grandchildren Graham Quinlan, Fraser Bell, Jr. (Grace), and Libby Bell (Matt).

Helen was a force who worked energetically to impact her community positively in many ways over the years. She served two terms each as Regional Counsellor and then Mayor of Glanbrook in Hamilton-Wentworth’s Regional Government 1980 through 1988. Prior to that, Helen was the driving force behind the publication of the monthly community newspaper The Glanbrook Advocate from 1978 to 1983 and the implementation of Wills’ Motors daily bus service in the township. Helen was a founding member of Binbrook Little Theatre, directing many of the plays through the 1960s. She had a deep interest in education: she was a high school teacher in the early 1950s and an elementary teacher for a brief time a decade later, drove a school bus, served as a trustee in Binbrook, was active in the Home and School Association, and was one of the first to teach pre-natal natural childbirth classes in the Hamilton-Wentworth area in the late 1950s. Helen was also extremely proud to be appointed to the McMaster University Board of Governors in 1985, and to serve on the governances of the Hamilton Children’s Aid and Hamilton Library Board.

As per Helen’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service and interment will be private, at a later date. The family would like to acknowledge the stellar loving care provided by the staff of CAMA Woodlands.

Donations in Helen’s memory to CAMA Woodlands or the Alzheimer Society of Hamilton and Halton would be appreciated.

Online condolences and notes of sympathy may be left at www.donaldvbrown.ca