Bella Rooney
Passed on: December 27th, 2008
99, Glace Bay April 19, 1909-Dec. 27, 2008 It is with deep sadness that we, the family announce the passing of our dear aunt Bella on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008, with family and friends by her side. Born to loving parents, Angus and Wilhena (Lynk) MacLennan, Bella lived most of her 99 years in the family home on Morien Hill of which she was very proud. Most recently she was a resident of Victoria Haven Nursing Home where she endeared herself with staff for her wit, intelligence, pride in herself, and just knowing what she wanted. She was an incredible lady whose love, support and devotion to her family were of the utmost importance. Bella liked nothing better than to be surrounded by family and friends. She always took great interest in their activities and easily related to all generations. She lived everyday making a difference in the world in so many "small" ways. She found joy in the simplest of things and saw the good in everyone. She did not strive for riches or material things but counted her blessings for her multitude of family and friends. Bella graciously welcomed all into her home and the warmth of her hospitality was experienced by many and never forgotten. Children and adults from "the hill" who travelled far and wide kept in touch with Bella and would visit when in town. The candy dish was always full and the teapot always on. She was generous and kind and in her younger years could be seen with a car full of children headed for the beach or a picnic. Everyone near and dear can boast about the quilts she crafted, the mittens and socks she knitted, the clothes she sewed or the wonderful pies, cakes, cookies and tea biscuits she baked and freely shared. Bella loved music and the many albums could be heard echoing through the house with her singing along. As her sight was deteriorating she loved to listen to CBC and discuss the topics she would hear. She was an extremely strong, resilient woman who faced every challenge that came her way. Bella had a tremendous sense of humour, was quick witted and loved to share a joke. She took pride in her clarity of thought in her 100th year and vividly remembered her early childhood. Many a school child who had a project of "life in the past" came to interview Bella. Most would return to let her know how well they had done on that project. Bella is survived by her brother, Danny MacLennan, Birch Street, Glace Bay; sisters-in-law Mrs. Mary (Christopher) MacLennan, Dartmouth, Mrs. Florence Kelly, Glace Bay; brother-in-law, Danny Rooney, Vancouver B.C. Also surviving are her many special nieces and nephews and their families both in U.S. and Canada - all of whom were very important to her. However over the past four years when her blindness prevented her from managing her own affairs, her devoted niece, Karen Morrison saw to and fulfilled her needs and wishes with great pleasure. Besides family, Bella will be greatly missed by friend Mary McGillivary and her faithful visitor Sharon Bushnik. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, J.O. (Ottie) Rooney in 1961, twin sister, Sadie, sisters, Lexie, Catherine, Margaret (Sis) Boutilier, Etta, Jean and brothers, Christopher (Buster), Angus and James MacLennan. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at Patten Funeral Home, 71 Union St., Glace Bay, 849-7520, with Rev. Michael Henderson officiating. Family will receive friends at 1 p.m.. Donations in Bella's memory can be made to Victoria Order of Nursing. Online condolences may be sent to patten@seaside.ns.ca. I shall pass this way but once, therefore Whatever good I might do, let me do it now, for I will never pass this way again. Stephen Grelley
