Joyce L. "Bella" Lemmon

Joyce Louise (Bella) Lemmon, of Newport, NH, passed away peacefully at her home at Summercrest Senior Living, surrounded by the love of her family, on February 9, 2026. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be deeply missed.

Joyce was born in London, Ontario Canada, to Hester Culver Bella and Joseph Bella on August 11, 1937. She was the youngest sister to Joan and Beverly.

Before marrying William Lemmon in 1966, Joyce worked as a stewardess for Pan Am during the "golden age of travel." During that time, she saw much of the world, embracing adventure and new experiences before settling down to marry and raise her two children.

She is survived by her daughter, Joanie Lemmon Bella, and son-in-law, Todd Gardner; her son, William Lemmon Jr., and daughter-in-law, Colleen Lemmon. She also leaves behind four grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren: Paige Lemmon; Noah Gardner and his spouse, Azriel Langdon; Raina Gardner and her spouse, Stefan Hofer, and their children, Robin, Lena, and Sage; and Kiah Gardner and her spouse, Sean Fitzgerald, and their children, Ronan, Finola, and Ewan. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her much happiness through the years. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister, Joan, in Vancouver, Canada, and by her many nieces and nephews in Canada, who held a special place in her heart.

Joyce was predeceased by her husband, William Lemmon; her sister, Beverly; and her niece, Lynn.

Joyce's love for her family was the center of her life. She found much joy in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and her love and care will remain in their hearts forever. Through her example as a devoted and nurturing mother, she shaped not only her own children but also the generations that followed. The love, patience, and strength she demonstrated continue to guide her daughter and granddaughters as they raise their own children, carrying forward her enduring legacy of love.

She expressed her creativity through the years by gardening, baking, needlepoint, sewing, ceramics, and, more recently, watercolor painting. She also enjoyed puzzles and word games. Joyce held especially fond memories of visiting her grandparents' farm as a child. Her family recently learned of some of the spirited adventures she and her sisters shared in their youth - including tying a toboggan to the back of their father's car for a snowy ride through town, unbeknownst to him, and removing the cushions on the glider to slide down the stairs, leaving their mother to wonder why the bottoms were wearing out so quickly. These stories reflect the sense of fun and closeness she shared with her sisters - memories that remained part of her story throughout her life.

Proudly Canadian, Joyce always remembered where she came from. In keeping with that deep connection, a portion of her ashes will be given to her sister Joan in Vancouver, Canada, so that she may, in a sense, "come home."

Joyce's family would like to thank the incredible staff at Summercrest Senior Living and the Lake Sunapee VNA and Hospice Care team for the compassionate care she received. She felt deeply cared for by them and we are truly grateful.