Nancy Bell, 93

Nancy Bell, 93

Nancy Rose Davis Bell passed away on Oct. 26, 2019 at Schneidmiller Hospice House in Hayden. Nancy was born on March 3, 1926 in Medford, Mass. She grew up in Scituate, Mass., with her parents Luther and Edna, her older sister Marjorie and younger brother John.

Nancy graduated from high school in Situate and then went on to Tufts University, where she studied dental hygiene. During that time, she met a handsome medical student, Robert Bell. They married and lived in Boston, Germany, Cape Cod and Palos Verdes, Calif. Bob and Nancy had three children: Robert Jr., Pam and Richard.

Shortly after the birth of their third child, Richard, Nancy contracted polio. While caring for her three young children and helping her husband run his medical practice, Nancy had many surgeries. She never complained about the physical challenges she endured for the rest of her life as a result of polio. She was grateful to be alive.

Nancy was a homemaker and a devoted wife and mother. She was very active in raising her children and running a household. Her home was open to the kids in the neighborhood. Freshly baked cookies were usually in the kitchen when all of the kids came home from school. Adults knew Nancy was always available when they needed a friend. She cooked wonderful meals, enjoyed gardening and was a talented artist. She had a deep faith and was active in her church.

Nancy’s husband Robert passed away in 2010. She then moved to Coeur d’Alene to live with her daughter and son-in-law. In her final years, Nancy lived at The Four Seasons Assisted Living and then The Renaissance Assisted Living.

Nancy is survived by her children: Robert (Linda), Pam (Roger) and Richard (Liz). She had five grandchildren, whom she deeply loved: Vanessa, Robin, Brian, Rachel and Laura. Her two great-grandchildren, Max and Owen, brought Nancy great love and joy. Nancy was loved by all and will be dearly missed.

During her years in Idaho, Nancy developed wonderful friendships. She had loving, kind friends who visited her frequently at The Renaissance. Nancy became close friends with other residents, their families and the caregivers, cooks and staff at The Renaissance.

Nancy’s family would like to express our deepest thanks and gratitude to everyone who loved and cared for Nancy during her time in Idaho. We cannot thank all of you enough for everything you did for Nancy. We also would like to express our enormous thanks and gratitude to Nancy’s team at Hospice of North Idaho and Hospice House for your compassion, kindness and expertise in caring for Nancy. All of you who touched Nancy’s life in Idaho are truly angels.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, at Coeur d’Alene Church of the Nazarene. Memorials may be made to Hospice of North Idaho.