Mrs. Frances R. Bell

Frances R. Bell, retired Baltimore County School teacher, dies Frances R. Bell, beloved teacher, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2023 at the age of 93. She was affectionately nicknamed “Nan” and “Nanny” by those who loved her. Born on May 20, 1929, she lived a full life dedicated to her family, education, Catholic religion, and her passions. Frances was a devoted mother to her son, Arthur I. Bell III, and a loving mother-in-law to Haile Gibson “Gibby” Blatt Bell. She was a proud grandmother to her granddaughters, Mercedes Bell Bucelato and Nicole Bell McLean, and was overjoyed to see the next generation grow with her great granddaughters, Haile McLean, Margaret McLean, and Caroline McLean. She was always in attendance at her granddaughters' soccer and lacrosse games at the McDonogh School and Nicole's Villanova University women's lacrosse games. Her love for sports extended to tailgating and attending Virginia Tech Hokie football games with her family. Frances received her teaching degree from Wilson Teachers College and a master’s degree from George Washington University. She devoted her life to teaching business education studies, spending 40 years in the Baltimore County School system, which included teaching at Milford Mill, Randallstown, and Kenwood High Schools. Her passion for education and her students was unwavering, and she made a lasting impact on the lives of those she taught. Her incredible memory allowed her to remember the names of all the students she taught, even in the years before her passing. Frances was a talented artist who decorated her Towson home and beach condo with stunning oil and watercolor paintings. She most recently enjoyed painting seashells collected from the beach, which she loved gifting to her great granddaughters. Frances was also a talented gardener and had a green thumb that transformed her backyard into a beautiful sanctuary. Her love for plants and potted flowers was apparent in the way she carefully tended to them. In particular, she loved her basil plants, which she grew in abundance every summer at the beach. Frances was known for her love of happy hour, where she would enjoy a martini every night at 5PM with her family and friends. Her passion for life and unwavering dedication to loved ones made her a joy to be around, and her presence will be deeply missed. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen 5200 N. Charles St. Balto. MD 21210 on Thursday, February 23rd at 10:30AM. Please omit flowers. Memorials in her name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Rest in peace, Nanny. Your love and spirit will live on through those you have touched. Your legacy as a dedicated matriarch, teacher, artist, and passionate fan will never be forgotten.

Mrs. Frances R. Bell

May 20, 1929 - February 11, 2023