Paula Beverly Bell (nee Gryschuk) of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away peacefully to be with her Lord on Friday, October 4, 2024, at the age of 95 years.

Paula was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, Church and community. Her Christian faith was an important part of her life. Born on August 4, 1929, in Wakaw, SK, to Mary and Alexander Gryschuk, Paula grew up on the family farm before working as a teacher in rural Saskatchewan. In her twenties, Paula worked as a bank teller where she was the identifying witness in thwarting a bank robbery. She travelled to Whitehorse, YT, and met her soulmate, Brian, in 1956. Every summer they travelled from Whitehorse to Wakaw, crammed into their little Volkswagon Bug; two adults, three kids and a dog, all staying at the farm with Aunt Jean and the family. They moved to Grande Prairie, AB, in 1966. After the boys were school aged, Paula got a job teaching at the Hillside School where she was proud to be an elementary school teacher until her retirement over 25 years later. In retirement, she and Brian made the pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Paula was an avid gardener, spreading her green thumb from Victoria, BC, to Grande Prairie. Her sticky buns were a family favorite. Her love of reading and word puzzles permeated to the grandchildren. She was involved in the Grande Prairie music scene in the 80’s, singing in choirs, playing contrabass clarinet as well as dabbling in the mandolin.

Paula will be missed by sons: Benson (Leah) Bell, Gordon (Donna) Bell, and Daniel (Leslie) Bell, and as a grandma and baba to her eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Paula was predeceased by her beloved husband, Brian Bell.

The family would like to extend thanks to the Grande Prairie Care Center for their kind and compassionate care of Paula.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 1:00 PM at the McLaurin Baptist Church (10913 – 107 Ave). Luncheon to follow. Interment to follow at 4:00 PM, at the Grande Prairie Cemetery (84 Ave and 112 St.).

Memorial donations may be made to the McLaurin Baptist Freedom Fund or the Canadian Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.