Mary Colleen Bell

Mary Colleen Bell, age 94, passed away on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at The Brook in West Branch. She was born on October 27, 1924 in Essexville to Joseph and Exora (Hebert) McDermott. She lived in West Branch since 1950, formerly of Essexville. Colleen married Gilbert Bell in Essexville on January 24, 1948. She served in the United States Navy during WWII. Colleen was employed as a Veteran’s Employment Representative and received a state award for her service to the veterans. She was a member of the American Legion Post 416 in St. Helen, where she was the first woman admitted to the legion. Colleen was also a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and enjoyed bowling and golfing.

Colleen is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Gilbert Bell of West Branch; children, David Bell of Crossville, TN, Douglas (Verna) Bell of Bluffton, SC, Ellen (Dan) Sentell of St. Helen and Andrew Bell of Park City, UT; 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; sisters, Marilyn Somalski of Essexville, Lorraine Munley of Bay City, Kathleen Vink of Essexville, and Maureen McDermott; and brother, Terry (Virginia) McDermott of Bloomfield Hills, MI. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Carole Gradowski, and daughter in law, Margaret Bell.

Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Sunday, March 3, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 3:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass with Veteran Honors will be held on Monday, March 4, 2019 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Father Emmanuel Finbarr will officiate.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com