Bell, Helen M.

Helen Marie (Power) Bell, 90, of Canton, formerly of Jamaica Plain, passed away July 4, 2011.

Helen cherished her childhood days in Mission Hill, where she was raised along with her siblings and a multitude of cousins. She graduated from Mission Hill High School in 1938 and then from Boston Business Clerical School in 1940. In her early career, she traveled to Washington, D.C., where she worked at the Pentagon in the War Department and then to New York City to work as a secretary at Grand Central Station, before returning to her roots in Mission Hill.

She had many girlfriends who, among other activities, often rented cottages at the beach in Green Harbor, Marshfield. It was during one of the summers there that she met her husband, Arthur P. Bell, whose cousin was one of her great friends.

Helen married Arthur in 1953 and moved to Jamaica Plain, where they raised their five children. She continued to work as a secretary for various medical professionals, ultimately becoming executive secretary for Dr. John R. Graham, the founder and head of the Headache Research Foundation, based at Faulkner Hospital.

She engaged in many of her children’s activities, including scouting and teaching literature programs at St. Andrew’s Parish in Jamaica Plain. Helen loved the beach and enjoyed many family vacations in Scituate. She was an avid cook and seamstress; she made beautiful garments for her children and grandchildren throughout the years. She loved to draw, paint, read and write stories, especially about her childhood and youth. She loved her many pets through her life, especially in her later years, enjoying the companionship of her beloved Lulu and Carla.

Beloved wife of 58 years of Arthur P. Bell. Loving mother of Dennis B. Bell and his wife, Julie, of Norfolk, Andrea Milewski and her husband, Anthony, and Joanna Bell of Canton, and the late Christopher A. Bell and Kathleen M. Cunniff of Canton. Loving mother-in-law of Mary Bell (Gavin) and Edward Cunniff, both of Canton. Adored Nana of Michael, Christopher, Stephanie, Christopher A. Jr., Lauren, Stephen, Alexander, Shannon, Christine and the late Elizabeth, and great-grandmother of Jenna. Dear sister of Catherine Ruez of Avon, CT, Francis Power of Leominster, and the late John, Joseph and George Power. She was the daughter of the late Michael G. and Bridget A (Toohill) Power. Also survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Visiting hours in the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, 455 Washington Street, Thursday, July 7, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend a funeral mass in St. John the Evangelist Church, Canton, Friday morning, July 8, at 10:30. Interment St. Joseph’s Cemetery, West Roxbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory can be made to Sisters of Notre Dame, 197 So. Pine Creek Rd., Fairfield, CT 06824, or the Richard Stein Animal Shelter, 801 Washington St., Canton, MA 02021.

Helen was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed by many who will always remember her kind heart, gentle nature and quick wit.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Jul 6 2011. Filed under Obituaries. Both comments and pings are currently closed.