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Mary Bell Obituary



Mary Alice Bell

Resident of San Jose

On Nov. 1, 1922 the world was blessed by an angel, Mary Alice McGee. She was born in Monroe, Louisiana and she grew up on a rural farm without plumbing or electricity. After world war II, she met the love of her life, and after a 90 day courtship, married Joseph V. Bell.

They started their life together in 1946, settling in San Jose, California. Together they were blessed with 7 children.

In 1967 she opened Central Nursery School. She loved children, and instilled her southern values, with the help of her cherished director, Laurie Gray, Central Nursery continues to this day, and will continue to give children a solid foundation in which to grow.

Her final hours were brief, in the presence of her darling husband and loving children, whose tender administration smoothed the way to the gateway of immortal life, and she gently passed away.

She is survived by the love of her life Joseph V. Bell, her children Samuel (Blanca), Charles (Susan), Joan, Matthew and Mark (Loretta) and her adoring grandchildren, Lisa, Jane Ann, Madelaine, Sarah, Grant, Andrew and Charlotte. Predeceased by daughters, Dolores and Mickie.

Private interment will take place. A memorial to celebrate her life will be on Saturday Oct. 16th at 1:00. Please call (408) 512-6384 for location. Donations can be made in honor of Joseph and Mary Bell, to YMCA-Youth Foundation, 1717 the Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126.

Beloved in life, may all who deplore her loss, be sustained and strengthened by the hope of a glad reunion, where farewell is a sound unknown.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times from Oct. 13 to Oct. 16, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Bell

Not sure what to say?





May 24, 2011

I miss Auntie Mary every day. Rest well Auntie. Watch over us all.

May 23, 2011

To everyone in the Bell household, I send you my warmest and most heartfelt condolences. I am saddened with the news of Mary's passing. As you know she was very much a second mother to me and a true lady in every sense. God bless you Joe and all of your family. Mary so loved each of you.

Danette Van Dusen

audrey evans

January 23, 2011

As a student, and later employee of Mrs. Bell and Central Nursery School, I am saddened by the loss of such a wonderful woman. My condolences to her family, and the community she served.

This is the last time I was with my Mum...in a loving embrace

Samuel Bell

November 28, 2010

Yolanda Reynolds

November 26, 2010

To the Bell family, our family came to know Mary at Central Nursery where our sons, Mark and Daniel, had the first real opportunity to be with other children for great experiences, on their own, in a nurturing and caring environment which was a so important before actually going to grade school. Mary was special!

The Reynolds family.

The Regalado Family

October 21, 2010

To the Bell Family,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your wife and mother. As you may remember, both of our families went to St. Leo's and spent a lot of fun times together. May God Bless all of you and keep all of you close to his heart. Always remember that memories are forever and your mom will be with you always.
Ray,Frank,Virginia,Jim,Dave & Mary.

paul donnell

October 21, 2010

My condolences to my YMCA swim friend on the loss of his wonderful wife.

Curt Hansen

October 20, 2010

Mary was a wonderful woman and had many gold nuggets of advice. Living life to the fullest, she made the world a better place . My condolences to the family.

She will be deeply missed.

Charmaine Wheatley

October 20, 2010

Mrs. Bell, Joe and all the Bell kids, Charlie, Joanie and the late sweet Mickie - were such a joyful part of my high school years. I thought Mrs. Bell so exotic because she was a mom in the 70s who did yoga! My heartfelt condolences to Mr. Bell and family.
Charmaine Reedy (Wheatley)

October 19, 2010

Dear Joan and Family,

Very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. We spent a lot of fun times at your house growing up. May she rest in peace.
Aloha,
Rayna K. Bramer Galati

Mark Bell

October 15, 2010

Hello All,

There will be a Celebration of Life for Mary Bell at the Lion & Compass Restaurant in Sunnyvale on Saturday October 16 at 1 pm. She left a special legacy for all, so please come and enjoy the memories of my Mother.

Thanks

Mark J. Bell

Randy Cheiker

October 13, 2010

your mom was an amazing person and like a second mother to me for many years, I will miss her very, very much--my deepest sympathies go out to Matt and his family

October 13, 2010

Mary will be missed by all who knew her. She was a wonderful considerate lady. The SBYC will miss her presence as well.
Beverly & Tom Laine

mom and me

Samuel Bell

October 13, 2010

A small stream, grows with experience into a brook and then a creek, and then a river, nourishing those in its path. Finally it reaches the ocean and rejoins its source leaving behind all that it has touched."

Marie Bell-Beuselinck

October 13, 2010

To My dear brother Joe and family

I so enjoyed coming over to the house in the afternoons and visiting with
you and Mary. Those were wonderful times of reminiscing together.
We will miss those times. Love to you all.

Samuel Bell

October 13, 2010

A small stream, grows with experience into a brook and then a creek, and then a river, nourishing those in its path. Finally it reaches the ocean and rejoins its source leaving behind all that it has touched...when it rains it rains on all

Charles Taylor

October 13, 2010

I can't believe she is gone. She was such a beautiful and wonderful person.

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