Mary K. Bell

Mary K. Bell, 98, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord at her Pueblo home on March 14, 2016. She was married to Orin Bell until his passing on September 19, 2015. Mary is survived by her children, Ardell (Michael) Fitzgerald, Marcia (Robert) Kelley, Gregory (Michele) Bell, and Brian (Kathy) Bell, a brother, Francis (Deana) Ivancie, 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Gerald and John Ivancie. Born to Slovenian parents in a mining town in northern Minnesota, she was adventurous for her era. Mary departed her home at the age of 17, traveling 300 miles to Winona State College to earn her teacher’s certificate. In addition to teaching, she served as a DC-3 stewardess for United Airlines during WWII. She diverted to Juneau, Alaska in 1944 where Lt. Orin Bell, a B-24 navigator, quickly swept her off her feet and into 71 years of marriage. Mary continued her adventures, living in Australia during the 1970s and 80s where Orin continued his career as a mining engineer for Cliffs Natural Resources. She often related how their many moves to the next mine resulted in their living in 28 different houses. Mary taught kindergarten through 3rd grade in Minnesota, Colorado, Wyoming, and Australia. She was passionate about playing the piano, teaching children to read, and cooking. Funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of the Meadows Catholic Church, Monday, March 21, at 10am. Rosary will begin at 9:30. Rite of Committal will follow at Imperial Gardens in Pueblo.