Mrs Bell' Remembered As Loving, Caring Mother And Teacher
Lars Gustaf Bell During his eulogy at the family service.
Photo: Eyespy Radio 87.5 FM
One of the most respected educator's in Samoa's education system , Mrs Anunisia Silila Falemaka Bell a Geography teacher was on Saturday laid to rest after a funeral service in Apia with the presence of loved ones, family here and from the Kingdom of Tonga celebrating her life.
Her family service which was held at Ligaliga's Fusi's Funeral Service at Malifa on Friday was attended by more than 100 people including friends and her family members from Tonga and students she taught at St Joseph's College in Alafua.
Chief Executive Officer Aeau Chris Hazelman of the Ministry of Education Sports & Culture in his eulogy described her as passionate and caring when they were working together in the Catholic Education System for 30years.
"As soon as I heard of her passing , Hail Mary immediately came to mind," he said.
"When you think of Silila the song Hail Mary describes her best , gentle woman , quiet light , morning star and gentle mother is who she is. Teachers wisdom and Teachers love" he added.
Many other late students of Mrs Bell within the Samoa Marist Old Pupil Association and St Joseph's College attended the solemn ceremony and paid their respects , many of those who couldn't make it posted their testimonies on Social Media recalling their memories with their teacher.
One student by the name Phoenix Q Tusa recalls memories of Mrs Silila Bell as their form teacher in Yr 10 and Yr 12 stating how his class managed to skip the Yr 11 level due to excellent results thanks to their teacher (Mrs Bell).
"She was our form teacher for three years straight , it goes to show how passionate she was as a teacher , and was recommended by the principal mostly to teach us because of the fruit of her hard work in pushing us to do our best in school," he said.
"There was one time she was admitted to the hospital and we rushed to visit her , she grinned with joy and asked us to not worry as she was healthy and strong," he recalled.
Families , friends and loved ones gathered to remember the life of the prestigious teacher on both services and comforted the grieving family of Mrs Silila Bel.Social Media over the past week was flooded with emotional posts by everyone that knew Mrs Silila Bell.
Margaret Bell the eldest daughter of the late Silila Bell stated in her emotional eulogy how passionate her mother was and the service she provided for not only their family but the education system of Samoa.
Lui Bell who was the eldest of the boys said joyfully that his mother was his most trusted companion in life.."mum was my only friend" he said emotionally during the family service. Many other testimonies were said on her special day.
Mrs Silila Bell's final burial service was held at her home in Vaitele where friends and families here and from the Kingdom of Tonga witnessed her last moments.