Mary Lesley Bell

BARRE - Mary Lesley Bell, a longtime resident of Abbott Avenue, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at the Mayo Health Care in Northfield where she has resided since 2008.

Lesley, as she was known, was born in Barre on February 5, 1924, the daughter of Athol R. and Jennie (Ewen) Bell. She graduated from Spaulding High School in 1942 and from the University of Vermont in 1946.

She began her career working for the State of Vermont Department of Personnel, advancing to the position of Director in the mid 1960s. Desiring a change in career, she returned to UVM and earned her Master’s Degree in Education and Counseling and subsequently was a guidance counselor, first at the Barre Middle School and later at Spaulding High School, retiring in 1984.

Throughout her life, Lesley was active in many organizations and traveled widely. She was an avid golfer and one of the first female members of the Barre Country Club. Her passion also was painting and she was a founding member of the Barre Paleteers. She was a longtime member of Barre’s Tourist and Philomathian Clubs. She served on the boards of the Aldrich Public Library and Washington County Mental Health. She was a lifelong communicant of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, serving for many years on the altar guild.

She was predeceased by her sister, Elizabeth Bell Ralph, her brother-in-law, Frederick Ralph and her niece, Lesley Ralph Wetherbee. She is survived by her two nephews, Stephen and Duncan Ralph.

Her family wishes to convey to the staff at the Mayo Health Center their appreciation for the extraordinary care Lesley received from them throughout her stay.

A service to honor and celebrate her life will be held at the convenience of the family in the Elmwood Cemetery in Barre. There are no calling hours.

Memorial contributions in Lesley’s name should be made to the Aldrich Public Library, 6 Washington Street, Barre, VT 05641 or Church of the Good Shepherd, 39 Washington Street, Barre, VT 05641.