Stephanie Kura Bell (née Smyth)

September 29, 1977 - January 1, 2023
In loving memory ~
It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Stephanie Kura Bell (née Smyth), share news of her passing. She died on New Year's Day following a love filled Christmas season with family.
Steff leaves behind her husband of 20 years, Corey, and her beloved children, Anson, Sawyer and Elyse; her parents, Keith and Gale Smyth; and her sister, Rebecca (Mike Wicentowich). She was deeply close to her in-laws, Paddy and Bonny, and Corey's siblings, James (Jennifer) and Angela (Darryl Tenisci). She loved and cherished time with her nieces and nephews: Rhys, Madison, Matthew, Samantha, Celia, Jaren, Kasen and Mattea; as well as countless other family members and beloved friends.
Born in Trail on September 29, 1977, Steff was kind, loving, and immediately inspired to create. She spent most of her childhood playing in the mean streets of Warfield, collecting dolls and going to the pool. When she went to high school at Crowe, she honed her already hyperactive socializing skills and gathered even more friends into an already close knit group of kids. Many of those friends currently reside in the Trail area and continue to gather frequently. Valuing these relationships, Steff and Corey were often the catalysts for friends to come together. Holidays have consistently provided opportunities for more gatherings with those who have moved away. These friends, and more accumulated along the way, have been an endless support for Steff in recent years, something for which both she and her family have been grateful. She had such warm memories of her youth, and later adulthood, in Trail and wanted that same supportive culture for her children.
Following high school, Steff went to UVic where she obtained her Bachelor degree in Education and made more lifelong friends. She was always a strong student and this melded perfectly with her love of children. Once she and Corey finished their schooling, they moved back to Trail. She happily left her career as a teacher when she started her family and soon thereafter embarked on a new adventure with Corey in his burgeoning HVAC company. Steff did not have any experience as a business manager but luckily did possess a sensible character and strong work ethic that enabled her to navigate her new responsibilities in that role, reading CRA policy by night and raising toddlers by day in her seemingly tireless fashion.
While appearing gentle in her treatment of others, Steff was known by her family to have a steely fortitude under the surface. Even as a child, she unflinchingly faced scrapes, bruises and stitches. The extent of this inner strength saw no depth when she was diagnosed with cancer, however. She faced every challenge, treatment and setback stoically and with great courage. She insisted on participating fully in her childrens' lives, planning endless activities and fun outings. She was steadfast in her dedication to their happiness and in providing a supportive environment. It was clear that they provided her with great purpose.
Steff had an eye for art and beauty. She was creative and could not help but see the potential to make things better. She had a vision for a beautiful family home surrounded by gorgeous Kootenay vistas. It was ambitious and a full time job unto itself, but she and Corey crafted their home, making that vision a reality. She passed her last days there, enveloped by the warm and beautiful space that she had created.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Colombo Lodge with Gwen Ziprick, Celebrant. Bill Clark of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, the family asks that you consider making a contribution to the KBRH Health Foundation (Oncology Unit) at 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, B.C. V1R 4M1 or online at www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.myalternatives.ca.


Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services