Laura Jean Dwyer-Bell

Stockton, California | Age 80

Laura Jean Dwyer Bell, 80, of Stockton, California, passed away peacefully at home on November 8, 2026, following a courageous battle with ALS, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Laura faced this degenerative disease the same way she lived her life—with the strength and grace given to her by God. Even in her final days, she remained loving, quick to laugh, kind, and deeply concerned for everyone around her. A devout Catholic, she received her Last Rites and spent her final days in hospice comforted by the recitation of the Rosary and the Gregorian chants she loved. Weekly Mass and receiving the Holy Eucharist meant everything to her.

Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Laura grew up alongside her parents, two brothers, and sister. At age 13, she met her lifelong best friend right next door, and she remained deeply proud of graduating from Cardinal Mooney High School.

In 1979, following a divorce from her children's father, Laura followed her parents to Stockton to build a new life. She established a successful career at Pacific Bell and married John C. Bell. Around the time she retired from the phone company, she lost her beloved husband, John, to cancer. Drawing on her characteristic resilience, Laura began a second career with the Lincoln Unified School District.

In the classroom, Laura brought dignity, warmth, and authenticity. As one of the eldest staff members on campus, she was a living bridge to history; students and teachers alike flocked to her for insight into what life was like "back then," soaking up her sweetness and wisdom. She retired from the district in 2020. Outside of work and family, she loved to dance and formed many lasting friendships through Stockton Singles.

Laura was endlessly generous with her time and love. She is survived by her 104-year-old mother, Laura Giurato; her siblings, Angelo Giurato, Fred Giurato, and Nancy Adams; her children, Brian (Christine) Dwyer, Jeffrey (Sheila) Dwyer, and Jennifer (Craig) Herrington; and her stepchildren, John C. Bell III, Matthew S. Bell, and Melissa A. Hendrickson.

She also leaves behind eight grandchildren—Jeffrey, Collin, Abbey, Ryann, Megan, Frances, Bub, and Katie—and two great-grandchildren, Dakota and a baby boy due in November 2026 (sons of Megan Dwyer-Mata). She will also be deeply missed by her cherished nieces and nephews: Brittany, Garrett, Niki, Freddy, Vincent, Lily, and Kaitlyn.