Mary Evelyn Bell

Throughout her rich and rewarding life, Mary Evelyn Bell lived life to the fullest each day while holding her loved ones near. She was kind, gentle, and caring with a heart that was as big as they come. Mary Evelyn was a longtime resident of the community she called home, and with her warm and genuine personality she drew others near with ease. She was blessed to share the majority of her journey with the love of her life, and together they witnessed their family tree blossom to include the grandchildren who were their greatest source of pride and joy. Mary Evelyn will be deeply missed, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

1939 was a year of great anticipation for Elmer and Violet (Hall) Harris as they were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as winter held the city of Pickering, Ontario, Canada, firmly in its grip as February dawned. The big day finally arrived when the baby girl they named Mary Evelyn drew her first breath on February 6th. She was the oldest of four children as she was raised on the family farm alongside her siblings, Bill, Farmer (Francis), and Marilyn. Mary Evelyn’s father was a dairy farmer while her mother was a busy homemaker. She attended local schools including Pickering High School where she was a talented athlete who participated in numerous sports. Mary Evelyn has also been one to say that she may have been the smartest one in school as well! She graduated from high school as a young woman in 1957 and went on to enter and receive her degree from Teachers College.

Not to be forgotten during Mary Evelyn’s years in school was her introduction to the young man who would change the course of her life forever. His name was Frank Bell, and he was a few months her junior. They where friends for several years, but once Mary Evelyn graduated they began dating. Just after Frank graduated a few years later, he proposed, and Mary Evelyn was thrilled to accept. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together the sweethearts were married on July 9, 1960. Together they welcomed three children including Thomas, Matthew, and James into their hearts and home. In November of 1976, they moved to Vicksburg from Canada. There, Mary Evelyn worked as a librarian at Vicksburg Middle School and Vicksburg High School. Also within her community, she was a member of Vicksburg United Methodist Church where she was also in the bell choir and ladies library.

Throughout her life Mary Evelyn was always busy. She enjoyed cooking, and among her family’s favorites were her butter tarts and rhubarb crisp. Mary Evelyn also made specific vegetables for whoever was coming because she knew that not everyone liked the same thing. Some of her favorite memories were made at their cabin on Sugar Lake in Orrville, Ontario. Many years they were there for several weeks at a time. Mary Evelyn enjoyed reading romance novels and mysteries, knitting, quilting, gardening and spending time with friends and family.

Truly beautiful on the inside and out, Mary Evelyn Bell was a blessing in the lives of all who were near. She was sweet, genuine, and gracious with a deep love for her family that was easy to see. Mary Evelyn faced whatever came her way head on, and she was such an inspiration. Deeply loved, she will be forever missed.

Mary Evelyn Bell, of Vicksburg, passed on Monday February 19, 2018. Mary Evelyn’s family includes her three sons: Thomas (Lisa) Bell of Yardley, PA, Matthew (Jackie) Bell of Vicksburg, MI and James Bell of Armada, MI; grandchildren, Anthony, Dmitry, Joanna, Katie, Marlena and Zbigniew; siblings: Farmer (Linda) Harris, of Canada and Marilyn (Roy) Puckrin, of Canada and many nieces and nephews she loved dearly. Mary Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Frank Bell, in 2012; and one brother, Bill Harris. A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). The family will receive friends on Saturday from 2 - 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Please visit Mary Evelyn’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook and share a memory. Those who wish may make a contribution to the Vicksburg Library and/or Great Lakes Caring Hospice.