Mary Catherine Bell, fondly known as Cat, passed away January 22, 2011 at the age of 60. Cat was born in Morganton, NC to Vance Brackett and Ethel Marie Draughon.

Cat spent her early childhood helping her grandma run a dairy farm until her family moved to Florida. There, she swam in the coves while working to help support her mother and raise her sister. When her high school experienced a teacher shortage, Cat taught math while she herself was still in school.

At age 11, Cat started modeling. Her career with Mademoiselle Milan took her to Italy, Paris, Milan and New York and finally to Baltimore, MD. In the early mornings she rose to walk horses at the race track, a job she truly enjoyed. As a model, her work called for her to hang from the sides of helicopters and land planes in Army advertisements. During this time Cat married Jonathan Bell.

In the early 70s, Cat and Jonathan moved to the Kooskia and Orofino area of Idaho. They built a house and raised animals. Cat sold produce to local grocers and organized an organic co-op. Here, Cat had her first daughter, Anna.

The family soon moved to Grangeville, where Cat’s second daughter, Jonna, was born. Cat honed her skills in home remodeling and established a prolific garden where others said nothing would grow. She held leaf jumping parties and sewed clothes for the children.

Cat and her family returned to Baltimore in 1986 for four years before returning to Grangeville. In her forties, Cat served on the PTA and became a volunteer ski patroller and ski instructor. She also designed and built another house and barn. Her favorite times were spent riding her dirt bike, snowmobiling and on cattle drives in the Idaho wilderness with her horse Oatis and dog Maggie.

In the early 2000s, Cat and Jonathan separated and Cat moved to Boise, ID. Cat became an award-winning real estate agent, her dream job. She was joined by her partner John Ballard and his dog Carter in 2009.

In late 2009 Cat learned she had cancer. She maintained a strong spirit through the treatments. She was sad to leave her friends, family and horses but felt at peace with her love of God. She was often fond of saying "Hug your loved ones."

Picture Cat in the field, her hair summer-blonde, wearing a red top, skirt and leopard-print heels, fixing a sprinkler head and closing a deal on the phone. She was having the time of her life. Cat is survived by two daughters, Anna and Jonna, her partner, John Ballard, her sister Linda and brother, David. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 5 at 3 p.m. at Shadow Valley Golf Course in Boise, ID. For more information, visit http://marycatbell.weebly.com/.  

Sender's Name: Jonna Bell
Thank you all for your condolences. We are tentatively planning a memorial service for mom. We'll post more information here when details are finalized. Jonna & Anna Bell

 

Sender's Name: Carol Mereszczak
Anna and Johnna, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a unique, classy lady,and a good friend. I'll be praying for you and your family during this time. Carol Mereszczak

 

Sender's Name: Craig & Jane Spencer
Anna and Johnna, We will really miss your Mom. Will be thinking of you.

 

Sender's Name: Barb Bunner
Anna & Johnna, My deepest sympathy to you.

 

Sender's Name: Jennifer l Szaro
Jonna & Anna Words cannot express.... My heart is breaking. I've always thought of her and you both. I remember her laugh and our last hug like it was yesterday. I'll miss you Aunt Kathy ...

Sender's Name: Dean & Robin Huibregtse
Girls, you are in our prayers.

Sender's Name: Mike and Mere Jo Haight
Our sympathies on the loss of your Mom!! We will always remember camping and riding motorcycles with her in the Grangeville area.

 

Sender's Name: Heather Welborn
Jonna, my thoughts are with you and your sister. I remember your mom fondly from when I was a little girl. If you need anything I'm here in Boise and can help. 208-451-4620

 

Sender's Name: Anne Muthart
I'm so sad to hear that Cat lost the battle. As a neighbor, I always enjoyed seeing her out on her horse and waving as we passed on the road. We will miss her! My heart goes out to John,her daughters, and the rest of her family!

Sender's Name: Annie Woods
Girls, you are the love of her life, she is so proud of you and your accomplishments. We rode the fields and canyons of the Camas Prairie together, and those days have always and will always be held forever in my heart...sending my love and prayers.