Susanne S. Bell
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Susanne S. Bell died Saturday, May 21, 2022 at The Landing at Laurel Lake after years of living with the cruel and capricious effects of dementia. She was 86 years old.
Born in Lewiston, Maine on August 29, 1935 to Ruth French Swift and Lawrence Swift, she was a registered nurse at Berkshire Health Systems for many years. She earned her Associate's Degree and RN at Berkshire Community College, her BS in Nursing at the University of Albany, and a Master's in Education at North Adams State College, all while working and raising five children. Her belief in education as a lifelong pursuit was an inspiration to many.
Sue wed Murchie F. Bell on August 27, 1955 in Waterville, Maine. They were married for 53 years before his death in 2008. She was also predeceased by her son Peter E. Bell in 2014.
Her local career in healthcare began as a lab technician at St. Luke's Hospital before becoming an RN. As a nurse, her calm, caring and professional demeanor was appreciated by both patients and staff. She felt that nursing was her calling; others would say it was her gift.
Mrs. Bell excelled in her work, quickly becoming a supervisor and later an administrator. She always maintained an open-door policy for anyone who needed a safe space to talk, laugh, or cry. There was never any judgment; she would listen respectfully and respond thoughtfully. She truly wanted others to succeed in both their professional and personal lives.
Along with her husband Murchie, Sue spent many hours volunteering both within Berkshire Health Systems and in the larger community. They were the first married couple to be awarded the Gladys Allen Brigham Award in 1990, in recognition of "distinguished volunteer service to BMC and the community".
She was our mother, grandmother, protector, caregiver and cheerleader for as long as she was able. We will miss her and do our best to fulfill her hopes for us.
The family would like to thank the staff of The Landing at Laurel Lake for caring for Sue over the past year, as well as Hospice of Western Massachusetts for their efforts to provide comfort and grace in her final days.
Sue Bell is survived by her son Lawrence (Pamela) Bell of Lanesborough; son Robert (Beth) Bell of Littleton; daughter Debra Bell of Pittsfield; daughter Mary (Philip) Carroll of Pittsfield; daughter-in-law Donna Bell of Pittsfield; grandchildren Kiersten (Ryan) Touponce of Pittsfield; Lindley Bell of New Jersey: Lynsay Bell and fianc? Alex Sawicki of Pittsfield; Jonathan Bell of New Hampshire; Kailey Bell of Maine; Megan and Emily Bell of Littleton; Daniel and Tim Carroll of Pittsfield[ and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Betsy Hamilton of Dalton and several nieces and nephews.
FUNERAL NOTICE:
Funeral services will be private.
No donations are being requested. The family would prefer that you take a moment to remember Sue Bell for the vital, intelligent, loving and compassionate person that she was, and perhaps find a way to pass on her legacy by providing support and encouragement to someone who needs it. And if you are the person who needs it, remember that finding someone to talk to is the first step in lightening your burden. Be kind to yourself as well as others, it is what she would have wanted for you.