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Laura Bell Obituary
90, died on Friday, November 20, 2020 at home in Providence. She was the beloved wife of the late M. David Bell.
In 1967, she became the first female graduate of the Computer Science Department at Brown University. Determined toward justice, she was instrumental in the protests that led to the desegregation of the Providence Public Schools in the early 1970's. She taught English as a Second Language for many years in Providence and was still teaching ESL at International House in Providence as recently as February of this year. She was passionate about our natural environment and devoted to her cottage on an island in the St. Lawrence River.
She is survived by 3 sons, Joshua of Wakefield, Jonathan of Newport and Michael of Madison, Wisconsin, as well as 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Funeral services and Shiva will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to International House of Rhode Island 7 Stimson Avenue, Providence, RI 02906 (ihouseri.org/donate-1). For online condolences, please visit ShalomMemorialChapel.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Laura Bell
Sponsored by Shalom Memorial Chapel - Cranston.
3 Entries
Mary Darezzo and husband Tom
November 24, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
My life is more treasured because of your unique way of thinking and David's sense of humor.
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Conway Redding
October 2, 2022
I am saddened to learn, just today, Oct. 1, 2022, of the death of Laura Bell. I had known her, and her late husband, Dave, since 1952, when I was a freshman at Brown University, and, in exchange for her home-cooked meals, occasionally baby-sat the Bell's first-born, Joshua. Although through the intervening years I did not see them often, I kept in occasional touch, and always visited them the few times I returned to Providence for a college reunion. I was saddened when Dave made his departure in 1996, and am equally saddened to hear of Laura's. My world is a little more constricted by the knowledge that I will not be visiting them again.
Mary Darezzo
November 28, 2020
I have wonderful memories of Laura when I became an assistant to David back in the 90's, as he was incapacitated to a degree, with Parkinson's.
I was a blessed to be a part of their family until his death in 1996.
I learned so much about the Jewish faith when I accompanied them a few times to the synagogue.
It was a "river" deep and flowing of a history that I feel everyone should learn. It gave me a deeper understanding that I would not have known otherwise, but for being personally involved.
So I am thankful for my lessons through Laura and David and their precious family and their way of life.
God bless you Laura, may you rest in peace.
You will be missed, but you left a beautiful legacy for us to remember.
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