DOROTHY A. BELL

1940 - 2020

BELL, Dorothy A. Dorothy Alice Bell of Newton Centre died on October 21, 2020, widely loved. She was born on June 15, 1940, daughter of Oliver E. and Dorothy Welch Rodgers. Growing up in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania and Birmingham, Michigan, she enjoyed music and high-school debate. At Radcliffe College, she married Jerry A. Bell and earned a degree in English in 1962. Raising two sons, Dorothy loved the role of wife and mother but found society opening more doors. At first she studied medieval English literature. Eventually she earned a doctorate in chemistry from Brandeis University in 1987 and taught at various colleges. In her forties, Dorothy joined a twelve-step recovery program that was her mainstay as she followed different vocations. She studied at Simmons College to become a Registered Nurse and nursing professor. Later she trained as a piano technician at the North Bennet Street School. On retiring, Dorothy spent her days knitting, reading, playing music, visiting historic sites, and providing mutual support within the twelve-step program. Dorothy Bell is survived by her younger son, John L. Bell of Newton; her brother, Daniel T. Rodgers and his wife Rene of Princeton, New Jersey; her sister, Betsy Allen of State College, Pennsylvania; her former husband, Jerry A. Bell of Silver Spring, Maryland, and his family; and many friends from over the years, particularly in the Reflections Group. Dorothy's older son, Allan, died in 1991 and her remains will be buried with his in Newton Cemetery. Her son will announce a Memorial Service when health conditions allow. Donations in Dorothy's memory may be made to the American Friends Service Committee or to Alcoholics Anonymous in accordance with the Seventh Tradition.

View the online memorial for Dorothy A. BELL