The Passing of Jacquie Bell

Jacquie Bell was a remarkable woman whose presence touched many lives with grace, wisdom, and strength. A guiding light in my own journey of learning about end-of-life care, Jacquie brought heart, clarity, and deep spiritual practice to everything she did.

She was a natural organizer and a devoted member of her community — someone who turned care into action and compassion into service. Her warmth and openness created spaces where others could learn, heal, and grow.

Jacquie was also profoundly devoted to her family: a strong and loving mother to Victoria and Wilson, and the beloved wife and best friend of her husband, Tom. Together they built a life grounded in love, laughter, and shared purpose.

Her legacy lives on in the many lives she enriched, the families she comforted, and the communities she helped weave together with her spirit of generosity and care.

May Jacquie’s memory continue to inspire all of us to meet life — and death — with courage, kindness, and heart.

Your sweet and grounded energy was shelter in the storm of young parenthood and our tumultuous spiritual journey. Your awareness and devotion have benefitted the world, and may your transition be an inspiration and blessing.

I am deeply heartbroken to learn that my dear friend Jacque passed away on October 12. I have known Jacque and Tom since I first moved to Halifax. Despite our busy schedules, I always stayed in touch with her over the years, and I was fortunate to meet her again in 2024 at a small café near her daughter’s place in Toronto.
To me, Tom and Jacque have always embodied the true spirit of Bodhisattvas — radiating kindness, compassion, and selfless service to all, especially to the Ripa Tibetan community in Halifax. Jacque’s unwavering devotion to her root gurus, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, has always been a source of inspiration and faith.

As she journeys onward, I pray that Jacque experiences a peaceful bardo and swiftly takes rebirth in a Buddhist family, so she may continue her path of virtue and benefit countless beings. May her mind merge with the great expanse of wisdom and compassion.

So long, dear Jacque and I will miss you dearly.

I feel sad about Jacquie. i knew her in Boulder, And from many programs. Once she encouraged me to do elocution with the Vidyadhara in Boulder, saying, "I cannot with my accent, but you can as a European". I was too chicken to volunteer, and she did not push. Every time I visited Nova Scotia she greeted me always so kindly. Gentle and strong lady. Dear Tom, children and grandchildren, much strength and love.

So sad to hear of Jackie’s passing.
Her presence - awake and soft
She loved her children and Tom. Joining the profound path with ordinary life
I send you love 💕 thinking of you in my practice you are in my heart

Dearest and old friend time has passed since we first met at Marpa House in 1975, all of a sudden I was making wedding rings for you and Tom. Our families remained good friends, our daughters played together. Your words were always grounded and so timely wise. If it haven't been the case that you called my husband at work telling him to get me to the hospital ASAP......my son would have been born on the living room floor!
Please make it swiftly through the bardos and return naturally .

Dearest and old friend time has passed since we first met at Marpa House in 1975, all of a sudden I was making wedding rings for you and Tom. Our families remained good friends, our daughters played together. Your words were always grounded and so timely wise. If it haven't been the case that you called my husband at work telling him to get me to the hospital ASAP......my son would have been born on the living room floor!
Please make it swiftly through the bardos and return naturally .

Jacquie, you will ever be an inspiration to us all for your kindness and caring for others. You have lived an exemplary life of a devoted practitioner and will always be remembered for many accomplishments working with others, and your loving family. Yesterday, some of your sangha sisters shared with you our thoughts and our prayers for your family, and for you on this bardo journey.