Dawn Darlene Bell

July 15, 1943 – October 29, 2024

We are saddened to announce the passing of Dawn Darlene Bell, wife of the late Maurice (Maurie) Alfred Bell, who passed away at Percy’s Place on October 29, 2024, at the age of 81.

Born in Chatham NB, she was the daughter of the late James Edward and Mary Alma (Murdock) Williston.

She is survived by her son, Kevin; daughter, Keri (Claude) Gorman; her grandchildren: Brandon, Rachel, and Lindsay; as well as many friends from church, the music community, and her neighbours at 10 King Street.

She is predeceased by her husband: Maurie; sons: David and Robert; sisters: Cherrie (Lloyd) Armstrong, Ida (Clarence) Bell, Doris (Harold) Godfrey, Delphina (Bennett) Knowles, and Mildred Williston; brothers: Keith (Thelma), Vernon, Ray (Elizabeth), and John Williston.

Dawn grew up at Morrison Cove and spent her entire life in the Miramichi area, except for the first seven years of her marriage when she and Maurie lived in Edmundston. Food and music and people were a big part of Dawn’s life.  She and Maurie opened Maurie’s Dairy Bar and Take-Out in 1969, and that grew into Maurie’s Mobile Catering with food trucks that brought food to over 50 businesses in Miramichi.

Dawn spent several years as the cook at the Miramichi Golf Club and then ran a catering business out of rented space at the golf club for years.  Dawn had an amazing ear and could hear a piece of music and play it on the piano.

Before COVID, she was playing at 2 or 3 church services on Sunday, a Monday night jam, Wednesday practice with the Miramichi Fiddlers, Thursday night in the pit band at the Knights of Columbus jam, and a Friday night gospel music jam “up river”, and regularly at Bridgeview and Losier Hall with the Monday night group and the Miramichi Fiddlers, as well as Miramichi Fiddlers concerts.

Dawn also played accordion and it was always in her car in case there was a musician or two at anywhere she visited and they would play a few “tunes”.  Even after she was on oxygen, she played the organ and piano at up to three church services on a Sunday and continued to play at one until several weeks before her death.

Dawn could not imagine going to a party without bringing food or silence at a kitchen party – if there was a hesitation by the musicians Dawn would start a tune. 

We are so grateful for the care received from Percy’s Place.

At Dawn’s request, there was no visitation.  A Funeral Service took place at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 750 Water St., Miramichi, NB, on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 11 AM, with The Archdeacon Perry Cooper, The Reverend Canon Sandy MacPherson, The Reverend Thomas Nisbett, The Reverend Deacon Teddy Quann, The Reverend Deacon Eddie Quann, and The Reverend Deacon Rose Steeves as Officiants.  Music for the service was provided by Organist, Dinah Horsman, and Soloist, Elizabeth Shatford, and members of the Anglican Parish Church Choir.  The hymns included:  "Amazing Grace", solo "Go Rest High on the Mountain", "What a Friend We Have in Jesus", "Safe in the Arms of Jesus", with the processional hymn being "On Eagle's Wings".  The Miramichi Fiddlers were present and sat as special group, along with good friends of Dawn.  Interment was in St. Paul’s Anglican Cemetery. All were welcomed to a reception for Dawn which followed in the church basement. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the IWK Foundation, or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

Arrangements were entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, NB; telephone (506) 773-3492.  Additionally, messages of condolence may be shared online to www.adamsfh.ca

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