Jody Chell, a well-known community advocate who was especially active in lifting spirits during the COVID-19 pandemic, has died at the age of 50.
Chell was a key organizer of a senior home and essential workers parade in April 2020 amid the early months of the pandemic.
She also helped organize Moose Jaw’s grad parade in March 2020 for high school students who were not going to have a graduation ceremony due to restrictions. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled due to weather.
Along with Jody Oakes, Chell co-founded the Facebook group Sharing Our Hearts of Moose Jaw, which encouraged residents to place paper hearts on their doors and windows in support of essential workers during the pandemic.
Beyond her pandemic efforts, Chell was active on the Sidewalk Days and Canada Day committees.
Politically, Chell ran for city council during the 2020 civic election. She was a strong voice during the Downtown Facility and Fieldhouse scandal and led a petition calling for then-city councillor Brian Swanson to be removed from office for his role in the controversy.
According to her obituary, Chell worked in web design and occupational health and safety, and had recently completed her degree in Indigenous social work.
She is survived by her daughter, Samantha Nestman; her father, Tim Chell; her brother, Toban Chell; her best friend, Ivan Hicks; as well as extended family and friends. A GoFundMe page has been set up in support of her daughter.
A memorial service will be held in Moose Jaw with details to be announced closer to the date.
You can read Chell’s obituary here.