Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
FUNERAL HOME
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.
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.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Laura Bell's name
Memorial Events
for Laura Bell
Funeral services provided by:
Shalom Memorial Chapel - Cranston1100 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
How to support Laura's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Laura Bell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more