Marjorie Bell

Marjorie Dolores "Dee" Purcell Bell, 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 14, 2016 in Orlando. She was born and raised in Troy NY. Upon graduation from Catholic High in 1948 she went to work for New York Telephone, then known as "The Phone Company".

She married her soul mate George and became Marjorie Dolores Bell in 1954, moved to Albany and started a family of 4 children.

Money was tight on one salary but she always made sure her children never wanted for anything important. Her first love was her children ...she never missed a school play or sporting event. She was a familiar sight volunteering at the Westland Hills Little League concession stand. On Summer Saturdays she and George would pack the car and kids and head off to picnic in Saratoga State Park or, even better, to spend the day in Halfmoon with lifelong friends the Blazejeski's. There was always an annual vacation, whether it be a trip to the Jersey shore to visit her sister Lorraine and her family, camping with the Kavanaugh's at Roger's Rock, or a week of day trips to take in the historical wonders of upstate NY. Winter weekends were spent ice skating and sleighing, and every holiday was celebrated with family, friends and food, in that order.

When it became too tough to make ends meet at age 40 she returned to work and learned to drive for the 1st time. Her husband George taught her to drive so that, in itself, is a testament to her stamina. When her husband became ill with Parkinson's, she took care of him until he passed. At age 80 she survived the death of her husband, the death of her eldest son Chuck, and a broken femur. She rebounded and moved to Florida at age 82, never looking back.

She loved Grey's Anatomy, Blue Bloods, Stein Mart, going out to breakfast, going to the movies, Krispy Kreme donuts, Coffee Ice cream, long necklaces, whiskey sours, and most of all, her family.

She always said she was a "Fraidy Cat" but truth be told she was a "Steel Magnolia".

In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, Dee was predeceased by her son, Charles and her daughter-in-law Lisa Blaauboer.

She is survived by her daughter Karen (Robert) Jocham; daughter-in-law Carmela , son Timothy (Linda) Bell and Daniel Bell. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Christen, Jessica, Kyle, Sean, Ryan, Noah, Sage, and her sister Lorraine (John) Prudhomme.

She will be missed.

Calling hours will be on Monday, March 21, 2016 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 10:00 am at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 1 Maria Drive, Loudonville, NY. Interment will follow the Mass in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.