The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Helen Elizabeth (McNelis) Bell, of Somerset, passed away peacefully on November 24 at the Bristal Assisted Living community in Somerset, surrounded by her family. She was 93 years old.
Born in Hazelton, PA, she spent her childhood in Freeland, PA, amidst the love of her siblings, creating memories that would remain in her heart forever. Helen later moved to Middlesex to raise her own family. In 2022, she settled in Somerset to be closer to her beloved children. Her warm smile and caring heart endeared her to everyone in her community, where she was deeply loved.
Beginning her working journey as a child, Helen sold hot dogs in Coney Island, Brooklyn, where she spent her summers growing up. Her dedicated work ethic continued through the years with jobs at Pennsylvania Telephone, NJ Bell Telephone, Bamberger’s, Lord & Taylor and the B. Altman Department Store. She worked in financial planning for Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick for more than 20 years before her retirement. After her retirement, Helen chose to remain active, continuing to work at the tax offices in Bound Brook and Raritan, where her knowledge and love of community continued to make a meaningful difference. Her work was never just a job, rather a reflection of her deep sense of responsibility and love for those around her.
Faith and family were at the core of Helen’s life. She recently joined St. Matthias Church in Somerset as a parishioner, following many years of devotion to Immaculate Conception Church in Somerville. She prayed the rosary multiple times daily, a ritual that reflected her profound and steadfast faith. Family trips were another highlight of Helen’s life and she loved adventures with her loved ones by her side; including traveling with her sisters to Ireland, Hawaii and Alaska, and vacations to the Jersey Shore, Ocean City, MD, Disney World, and bus trips to New York City to see shows. She also enjoyed knitting, reading, going to the movies, playing bingo, watching Jeopardy, and chocolate! Above all, Helen cherished the moments spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who adored her and lovingly called her ‘Grammy Bell’. She took immense pride in each of them, never missing a sports event, dance recital, school concert or play, parade, or cheerleading competition – from preschool all the way through college.
She was predeceased by her sons, William and Thomas Bell; daughter-in-law, Jane Bell (wife of Bill); sisters and brothers-in-law, Marie and Joe Gallagher, and Anne and Ralph Poleri; niece, Rosemary Weinstock; nephew, Joseph Gallagher, and dear sister-in-law, Ruth Scarcella.
Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, James and Patricia Bell of Piscataway; daughter and son-in-law, Annemarie (Annie) and Thomas Dupras of Somerset; grandchildren, Thomas and Jamie Dupras of Hillsborough, Megan and Sean Milligan of Lafayette Hill, PA, and Jaime Bell of Dunellen, and great-grandchildren, Brandon and Hailey Dupras. She was blessed with bonus grandchildren, Drew Calvo, Kevin Calvo, and Loren Foster, along with their families. She is also survived by her brother, James Gallagher and his wife Patricia of Florida, as well as many nieces and nephews.
With every smile she shared, and every sweet treat she savored, Helen made the world a little brighter and her love will stay with her family and friends always.
Visitation will be held from 3-6 p.m. December 1 at the Gleason Funeral Home, 1360 Hamilton Street, Somerset.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. December 2 at St. Matthias Church, Somerset. All are invited to meet at the church.
Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Piscataway.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jack’s Kids, c/o the Somerville Elks, 375 Union Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 or to Stein Hospice 354 DeMott Lane, Somerset NJ. 08873.
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