January 22, 1987 – December 26, 2016
Who would have imagined that a tiny, 2 lbs, 14 oz., baby girl, born on a stormy January night in Boston, would become such a vibrant, caring and loving young woman? Jocelyn's life was full, notwithstanding some of her challenges in life. Born with a rare genetic disorder, Jocelyn was literally that one in a million. As Jocelyn got older she began to experience more significant health issues. This didn't stop her or her indomitable spirit. She was feisty and full of energy. And could she laugh. Jocelyn loved musicals, and movies, and music, and spending time with family and friends, and her dog, Ben and oh how she loved a party! In Jocelyn's world, there was always a reason for a party.
An avid theatre goer, Jocelyn saw over forty musicals in Edmonton, Vancouver, Chemainus, Courtenay and even Broadway. Among her favourites- Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Westside Story, Beauty and the Beast and White Christmas. After most performances she was able to visit with cast members, and get autographs. After getting the autograph she would wave it in the air shouting “I’m famous, I’m famous!!”
Movies and music were a big part of Jocelyn`s world. They brought her great joy and her collections of DVDs and CDs were numbered in the hundreds. Her tastes were definitely eclectic. She could be glued to the screen watching Amadeus or Don Giovanni (in German) and seemingly get equal enjoyment from watching a Bugs Bunny or Barney DVD. Certain songs often caused Jocelyn to break into tears saying “that touches my heart”.
People seemed immediately drawn to her even those meeting her for the first time. Perhaps it was her captivating smile, her sparkling eyes, her capacity to laugh with complete abandonment or simply posing the question ``Guess what``.
We learned so much from Jocelyn and continue to do so. She lived in the present. She was always her own person. She reached out to people. She always said “I’m sorry” even if it might come the next day. She expressed her love openly. Jocelyn did have a stubborn streak and when she felt put upon she was always able to hold her ground.
Jocelyn is predeceased by her mother Deanna and her grandmother Lorraine (``Mudder``). Although, Deanna died when Jocelyn was two years of age her continuous loving presence was always with Jocelyn. Mudder and Jocelyn, along with Pop (Gord) spent many warm moments in recent years having fun together, baking cookies and watching movies.
Grandma Hildy, Marilyn, Jessica and all of the Grimes family and extended family across the United States have been a loving part of Jocelyn’s life from the moment of her birth and provided Jocelyn with a lifetime of experiences and wonderful memories. Like the time Jessica’s brand new dress was ruined by a bird passing over head or when the toilet overflowed at the cabin. Her love of church, bible stories and hymns and her passion for shopping grew from time spent with Deanna’s family.
Jocelyn loved spending time with family. Her delight during those Christmas visits with her sisters Kate and Mebbie, brother Michael, brothers-in-law Peter and Allen, nephews Duncan, Hugh, Tristan and niece Nina was contagious. A chance to spend time together, to party and exchange gifts. She was never disappointed as she declared each gift was ``just what I wanted``.
Jocelyn always looked forward to spending Easter, birthdays, Thanksgiving and family dinners with Uncle Mike and Aunt Arlene. There were also fun visits with Kathie`s brother Ian and sister Jane and their families. Jocelyn’s godmother Celeste and Bonita have been ever present.
In recent years Julie and the remarkable Satori community, Dawn and Norm and family, Dr. Marcus Langhans and the many other professionals played major roles in Jocelyn’s life.
Our families, friends and many others have loved and supported Jocelyn over the years. Your caring has been felt by each member of our little family. You have all played a part in helping Jocelyn be Jocelyn while supporting Kathie and Denis as well. Our deep appreciation is heart-felt and we thank you for being there.
A celebration of Jocelyn`s life will be held at 2 pm on February 4th in Comox United Church, in Comox, BC. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation, in the name of Jocelyn Sarah Bell, to the Comox Valley Hospice Society.