Contributions to the tribute of Mary Bell | Woodland Cemetery, Maus...

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Randy Ray posted a condolence

Monday, November 6, 2023

My condolences to Mary’s family. She was the best - not only as a switchboard person but as someone who lent an ear to the young reporters at the LFP who faced challenges away from the newsroom - me included. Thank you Mary!

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George Hutchison posted a condolence

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Many of us considered Mary the centre of the Free Press newsroom. Not just because her switchboard was central, but because she was often a driving force in the flow of the news through that hectic place. The news desk pitched me a brief wire clipping one morning about a group of skiers that was swept down a Swiss mountain in an avalanche. A couple were from London. Some had been saved from the smothering drift by a rescue dog. The wire copy gave us the rough location in Switzerland, but little else. I asked Mary if she could track down a nearby resort, and within 20 minutes I was interviewing one of the survivors. We made it to page one. Mary loved her job and excelled in it. We were all better for having working with her (or should I say for her?). My deepest condolences to the Bell family. - George Hutchison

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Geoffrey Corfield posted a condolence

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

In 1969-70 I was a copy boy at the Free Press. Mary was the Switchboard Operator in a little room at the end of the Editorial Corridor. I called by several times a day on my rounds fetching things from the cafeteria for people deskbound, and had a lots of chats with Mary. If I remember correctly she came from Bishop Auckland, UK, and as I was going to the UK after my year at the Freeps, we talked a lot about it. She gave me the address of a woman in Walsall to look up, which I did, but I can't remember her connection to Mary. Mary was lots of fun. Geoffrey Corfield, corfieldwg@gmail.com

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Jane Catherine Hardisty posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Dear Vivienne, I was sorry to read about your mother's passing. I know how close you were and how much you will miss her. Cherish the memories. Please accept my sincere condolences. Jane Hardisty

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Don Murray posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

So sorry we have to say goodbye to the best switchboard operator there ever was. I can never hear someone say telephone without my mind slipping to those wonderful days in the old Free Press newsroom and Mary’s clear English accent “Telly Phone!!!” I am so grateful I got to know her and work with her. Now, I guess, it’s time to say goodbye to our beloved Mary.

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Gail Eaton posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Vivienne and family- Heartfelt sympathy for your family. Mary brought sunshine and laughter to my life. She was wonderful to play euchre with,and of course we always kept each other up to date on Blue Jays games and scores! Loved her dearly and will miss her forever. Gail Eaton

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The family of Mary Bell uploaded a photo

Monday, October 30, 2023

Mary Bell

1935 - 2023

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