Lucy Mary "Lu" Bell

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our precious mother Lucy Mary Vitale Bell on May 9, 2024, just short of her 96th birthday. Born on May 13, 1928 in New Brunswick, NJ, our mom lived a life exemplified by grace, compassion, kindness and wisdom. She was the apple of her family's eyes, a sheltered, beautiful and smart woman who defied the odds by moving across the ocean to marry a handsome Army boy...and the rest was history.

As an army wife, mom quickly became adept at all things military: the packing of a household and moving four kids every two years, the promotional ceremonies, the de rigueur attendance at military functions, and managing as a single mom while our dad was deployed twice to Vietnam. She was tough as nails when she needed to be; soft, kind and gentle all other times.

Mom was the beloved matriarch of our family, revered for her intellect and nurturing spirit. She was a beacon of optimism, always seeing the best in every situation. The glass was half full, she frequently reminded us, and she was always right.

Mom was an accomplished quilter, baker, and a voracious reader. She loved Broadway, telling us stories about trips to NYC by bus or car, sharing the
cost of gas - 25 cents a gallon, to see shows. She loved classical music and had an encyclopedic knowledge of film noir. A good evening for her was a cookie, a cup of hot tea and an old movie. Above all, she found joy in the company of her grand and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: Jessica (Dewey) Doolen, Jack, Jennifer (Ross) Thomson, Joan; grandchildren Jason (Chrissy), Amber, Connor, Aleck, Grant, Ian, Emily; great-grandchildren Mason, Landon, Charly, Violet; great god-child Caitlyn; many nieces and nephews, and her loyal puppy, Socks II. She was pre-deceased by her husband Joe Bell and beloved brothers Ralph and John.

A private celebration of life will be held to honor Lucy at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made in her memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, a cause close to her heart, at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.
Our mom's kindness, wisdom, sense of humor and love will remain with us always. May she rest in eternal peace. She was, simply, the bomb.