Joan M. Bell

BELL - Joan M. Passed away peacefully in Hollywood, Florida, on August 15, 2008. She celebrated her 80th birthday on August 9, 2008. Joan was married to her surviving husband, Hugh M. Bell, for 57 years. She is also survived by her children, Wendy Pilkey of Cooper City, FL; Greg Bell (Ronda) of Kokomo, IN; Jeff Bell of Cooper City, FL; Brian Bell of Valparaiso, IN; and Laurie Reppas (Greg) of Fayetteville, NC. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Derrick Bell of Union, NJ; Alysha Pilkey of New York, NY; Samantha Pilkey of New York, NY; 2nd Lieutenant Matthew Bell of Ft Bliss, TX; Maggie Bell of San Antonio, TX; Campbell Pilkey of Cooper City, FL; Travis Bell of Orlando, FL; Tyler Bell of Gainesville, FL and Kelsey Bell of Jacksonville, FL; and step-grandchildren Sgt. William Guerre of Kokomo, IN and Alex Plude of Kokomo, IN. To her husband, Joan was lifes foundation; to her children, she was the mother whose love and support never wavered; and to her grandchildren, she will always be Mimi, that special person who will forever remain in their hearts. Joan was born in Kenmore, N.Y., and graduated from Kenmore H.S. in 1948. She went on to college and became a dental hygienist, before marrying and raising a family in Tonawanda, N.Y. In 1976, Hugh and Joan moved to Valparaiso, IN, where they resided until 1988 when they began to split time between a home in South Florida and one in Fairfield Glade, TN. Always an active person, Joan spent much of her time devoted to her childrens and grandchildrens sports and activities; camping; travel; bridge; piano and charitable work, including P.E.O. while in Florida. Wherever she went, Joan made countless friends who have stayed very close to this day. All who knew her were touched by her kindness and gentleness. A Memorial Service will be held at Luther Memorial Church at 1925 N. 60 Ave. (State Road 7), Hollywood, Florida, on Saturday, August 16, 2008, at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation: www.parkinson.org