Tributes for Denise Bell flow after the Geraldton Softball Association president loses two-year cancer battle

The Geraldton softball community has been rocked by the loss of its matriarch as president Denise Bell succumbed to a two-year battle with cancer. Surrounded by family, Bell died on Thursday, bringing a close to more than two decades of service to the Geraldton Softball Association. Her contributions as a volunteer and chairperson of the GSA board have forever transformed the local softball community. For a decade, Bell served as chairperson and her tireless efforts, combined with her infectious enthusiasm, lifted the association to unprecedented heights. Under her guidance, softball thrived and players flourished. Her dedication to nurturing the talents of young athletes was second to none, offering them opportunities to grow and excel within the sport they loved. Recently, Bell’s vision and meticulous planning culminated in the staging of the largest and most successful June softball carnival ever seen, and it continues to be a showpiece event for the State. Her impact on the community is evident in the tributes that have flooded in from around the State since her death. Her daughter Rona said her mother was a friend to many. “She was not only an amazing and giving woman to others, she was also a wonderful, extremely loving and giving mother. I am going to miss her tremendously. Always my mother, forever my friend,” she said. Rick Wolters from Softball WA expressed sorrow on behalf of the sport as a whole. “She epitomised what the softball family is about, loved the game, worked hard to better the sport and sought to help all those involved in softball in Geraldton, she will be greatly missed,” he posted. Geraldton Softball Association umpiring chief Sean Thompson expressed a similar sentiment. “Geraldton Softball Association and the world has lost such a beautiful one-of-a-kind soul,” he wrote. “You taught me so much and stood by me through thick and thin over the last 10 years sitting on the board with you as president, you were a great leader, a passionate, beautiful person and always so loving to everyone you met.” “To everyone out there feeling the grief, when you get some time, pop down to softball and think of all the happy memories you have with her, because every soul she touched will have plenty of those to go to. And being at softball, the place she poured her heart into over the last 15 plus years is the perfect place to do so. ‘Time and Game’ Madam President, Rest in Peace.” Bell is survived by husband Frank, five children and seven grandchildren. But she was a mother figure to many more in the community. Details of funeral arrangements will be shared on the Geraldton Softball Association Facebook page.