Mary Ann was born in St Paul, NE to James Pete and Marie (Vanosdall) Lassen on September 1, 1942. Mary Ann attended school in Elba, NE until the age of 12 when the family moved to Grand Island. She continued her education at Barr Junior High and graduated from Grand Island Senior school in 1960. She married Ted Bella and moved to New York then on to North Carolina where she worked with the Alamance County Schools while she finished her education at the University of North Carolina, majoring in Journalism.
Mary Ann was a Journalist, Multimedia Writer, Filmmaker and Producer at Bella International Productions. She was also active in local politics, project management, and civil rights. She was incredibly proud of her documentary film on Nobel Peace prize winner Gertrude “Trudy” Elion, and she was currently in the process of writing a book on the desegregation of North Carolina Schools.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by ex-husband, Ted Bella, son Steve, and both parents. Surviving family members includes: daughters Michelle Hubbard, and Christine Eubank and their families. Her brother Bob Lassen, Lincoln NE, sisters Lynn Moody, Lori Stewart, and their spouses.
She was a beloved Grandma to her 4 grandchildren and Grans to her 3 great grandchildren.
The family wishes memorials to the family to be designated at a later date.
