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In Memoriam: Mrs. Opal Bell
The Gonzaga community mourns the passing of longtime registrar Mrs. Opal Bell, who passed away on September 27 at the age of 94. A beloved member of Gonzaga’s faculty and staff as well as a mother of four Gonzaga alumni, Mrs. Bell worked on Eye Street for 28 years, from 1973 to 2001.
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In recognition of her dedicated service to Gonzaga, Mrs. Bell was awarded the St. Aloysius Medal in 1999. Reprinted below is the citation that was read on the night she was bestowed the award. You can read her full obituary by clicking here.
As we reflect on Mrs. Bell's example of kindness and selfless service, we join all those who are mourning her loss. May God grant her eternal rest.
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For these many years she has set the tone and the lead for Gonzaga's unique brand of love and spirit. She has been there for each of us when we have had good days and bad days. She is a point of reference for the veterans and she is a beacon of hope for frustrated and confused newcomers. Without Mrs. Bell we all would have been diminished.
And then from Fr. Longtin: “With her constantly bubbly laugh and charm, Opal has brought love, joy and warmth to Gonzaga for 26 years. Her presence is a reminder to us of how lovingly God holds each of us in His heart.”
Many others submitted Opal stories, but time prohibits me from reading them now. However, on behalf of all here, Opal, I simply want to say, thank you for loving us so much. No one deserves this recognition more than you.
As we reflect on Mrs. Bell's example of kindness and selfless service, we join all those who are mourning her loss. May God grant her eternal rest.
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For the last 26 years, no one who has ever called the Headmaster's Office has been untouched by graciousness. There is one source of that gentility: Mrs. Opal Bell.
During that time Mrs. Bell has served the school as the Registrar. She has made sure that five headmasters have done their job properly. She has been President of the Mothers Club and served on the school's Professional Committee.
Many people have been involved in the school during the last quarter century. Some have been responsible for the school's financial stability; others have been responsible for its academic excellence; some for athletic success; and yet others for the spiritual health of our community. No one, however, has cared for and loved each of us as Mrs. Bell has.
For these many years she has set the tone and the lead for Gonzaga's unique brand of love and spirit. She has been there for each of us when we have had good days and bad days. She is a point of reference for the veterans and she is a beacon of hope for frustrated and confused newcomers. Without Mrs. Bell we all would have been diminished.
While there have been many memorable personages here on Eye Street, there has been only one Mrs. Bell. For example:
There is only one person here who can get away with using words like: biffle baffle and scrummy. There is only one person here who can interject into a serious conversation a sentence stopping exclamation like: “I smell turnip roots cooking.” And there is only one person who can elicit comments from her admirers, such as the following:
From Mark Howell, who is currently on sabbatical in Hawaii: “Opal Bell is able to perform her duties with polish and efficiency while never losing the grace and charm that make her a true southern gentlewoman. With her sharp mind and infectious giggle she is able to disarm the most irate parent, keep impatient school officials at bay, meet pressing deadlines and walk out of Saks with the best bargain in the store."
From Paul Burke, here is a representative 30 second conversation with Mrs. Bell:
Two minutes before class: “I need bluebooks for my seniors, Opal, you got any?”
“In the corner, Paul; here's your paycheck - did you try a cookie?”
“Opal, Have you seen Fr. Smith lately?”
“I saw him at the game--he's looking better--he's such a neat guy.”
“By the way, Ope, when is that rescheduled meeting?”
“Today! And don't forget it's in the Board Room, not the chapel, and be sure you sign up for the van if you need a ride to the retreat. And don't forget the Mothers Club sign up sheet.”
“Who's the new Mothers Club president?”
“Mrs Jones---remember her older boy? He was so good-looking, and smart as a whip.”
“Have you tried the new phone system, Opal?”
“Dial 7177---I just got a message from my youngest, my baby, but don't tell him I call him that--- They're having a reunion, can you believe it, so many years, what a great class they were.”
“Where did you get the brooch, Opal?”
“Thanks, Mary Purdy gave it to me years ago; she's such a neat lady; that's one woman with class!”
From Paul Burke, here is a representative 30 second conversation with Mrs. Bell:
Two minutes before class: “I need bluebooks for my seniors, Opal, you got any?”
“In the corner, Paul; here's your paycheck - did you try a cookie?”
“Opal, Have you seen Fr. Smith lately?”
“I saw him at the game--he's looking better--he's such a neat guy.”
“By the way, Ope, when is that rescheduled meeting?”
“Today! And don't forget it's in the Board Room, not the chapel, and be sure you sign up for the van if you need a ride to the retreat. And don't forget the Mothers Club sign up sheet.”
“Who's the new Mothers Club president?”
“Mrs Jones---remember her older boy? He was so good-looking, and smart as a whip.”
“Have you tried the new phone system, Opal?”
“Dial 7177---I just got a message from my youngest, my baby, but don't tell him I call him that--- They're having a reunion, can you believe it, so many years, what a great class they were.”
“Where did you get the brooch, Opal?”
“Thanks, Mary Purdy gave it to me years ago; she's such a neat lady; that's one woman with class!”
And then from Fr. Longtin: “With her constantly bubbly laugh and charm, Opal has brought love, joy and warmth to Gonzaga for 26 years. Her presence is a reminder to us of how lovingly God holds each of us in His heart.”
Many others submitted Opal stories, but time prohibits me from reading them now. However, on behalf of all here, Opal, I simply want to say, thank you for loving us so much. No one deserves this recognition more than you.
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