Isabella Catherine Moran (nee Morrison) died peacefully after a short illness on 18 May 2020 in Castlegar, BC. She was 10 days short of her 97th birthday. Bella was born 28 May 1923 in Peckett Harbour, Chile and was baptized in Punta Arenas. Her father Neil Morrison and mother Margaret Macaulay Morrison lived in Chile for several years while Neil was a shepherd and rancher. The family left Chile in August 1926 and returned to their hometown of Stornaway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland. They immigrated to Canada 2 years later and arrived on the ship Athenia at Quebec City.
Bella grew up in Trail, BC and became a legal secretary. She married the well-known local lawyer Michael Ernest “Mickey” Moran on Halloween 1953 in Castlegar. She loved the Kootenays and had a strong commitment to her community. She volunteered with numerous organizations including the Castlegar Hospital Women’s Auxiliary, the Castlegar Library and the Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Bella was on the board of directors of the Kootenay Gallery of Art and Science, was a member of the Castlegar Arts Council and was the Treasurer of the Ladies Section of the Castlegar Golf Club.
She kept a beautiful home and loved collecting china and antiques locally and from around the world. She traveled widely including to World Cup soccer in Mexico and Germany with Mickey. She became a pilot as a young woman in her teens, survived an airplane crash (she wasn’t the pilot), skied into her 80’s and was always interested in an adventure. Her interests included golf, downhill and cross-country skiing, sewing and bridge.
She is predeceased by husband Mickey, siblings Norman, Ethel, Neila and Margaret.
She was active with and enjoyed spending time with her sons and daughters-in-law and her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She leaves son Michael (Kathe), grandsons Kit (Rebecca) and Connor (Hero), son Kevin (Susan), grandchildren Melanie (Saare) Adams, Tom, David (Melina), Joanna and great grandchildren Hayden and Cayley Adams and Mia Moran.
A private family memorial is planned.
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Verna(horcoff)abietkoff
So sorry to hear of Mrs. Morans passing. Condolencesto Micheal, Kevin and their families.
Lindsay Macintyre
It is with great sorrow that I hear of Bella’s passing. When I was young I spent a great deal of time at Christina lake with the Moran brothers and Bella .
Looking back ,she had a tough time keeping us three in line but handled it with ease . I was always struck with her easy going but stern nature and those were some of the most memorable summers of my life !
My condolences to the Moran families, rest in peace Mrs. Moran.
Lindsay MacIntyre
Bunny ouillette (Bud Henning’s daughter)
Our sincere condolences to your family..I remember Bella with very fond memories. I know she will be sadly missed!
Bunny Ouillette (Henning)
Polly Fowler
Dear Michael & Kevin
I was sad to hear of your Mum’s passing but amazed to hear she was nearly 97. Also fascinated to learn of her story – Chile, Scotland, coming to Canada – and all the things she was doing into her 80’s. We Castlegarians, a hardy breed.
I hope you and your families are well; best wishes from London.
Polly Fowler