Laconia-----Nancy Jane Bell died on Oct. 19th at The Taylor Community, where she had been a resident for the past 5 years since moving from New Harbor Maine.
Nancy was born January 8, 1928 in Buffalo, NY daughter of Herbert and Genevieve Tolsma. She was educated in the public schools of Buffalo, Bennett High and Amherst High of Snyder, NY. She has associate Degree in Hospital Dietetics from Rochester Institute of Technology. Nancy worked in Buffalo Children’s Hospital and Geneva General Hospital. Then in the 60s to 1980 she was with Welcome Wagon International, Training Director and Field Manager for the State of Connecticut. In April of 1980 she married the Rev. David W. Bell who was then pastor of the Laconia-Gilford United Methodist Church. Nancy was a great partner of their team in ministry in Contoocook where she taught church school and help found and direct a Hospice program. In the Bow United Methodist Church she help found and lead a widow/ widower support group. During these years the couple built their retirement home in New Harbor, Maine. In 1988 Rev. Bell was transferred to service the Waldoboro, Maine United Methodist Church. Nancy organized a literacy program for the children coming to the Well Child Clinics held at the church. David retired in 1994 and they moved to their home in New Harbor. Nancy volunteered every week at the Miles Hospital in Damariscotta, ME for 11years. She served on the Board of Directors of Geneva Point Center in Moultonborough for 12 years, Crewed for the Annual Friendship Sloop Races for 26 years and walked in the Cancer Drives. In 2006 the couple moved to The Taylor Community in Laconia NH where Nancy served on the Board of Directors.
She was predeceased by her first husband, Ronald Smith and brothers, Herbert Jr. and Donald Tolsma. She is survived by her husband the Rev. David W. Bell, daughter Kimberly Smith Force and husband Ron of Madison, NH, daughter Ronni-Jo Smith Beaudry and husband Len of Worthington. MA. Three step children Andi Bell and his wife Debby of Thornton. NH, Deborah Bell Fauver and her husband Peter of North Conway NH and Peter Bell and his wife Melina of Lexington, VA. Five grandchildren, Keith Force, Jason Force, Ryan Arnold, Sarah Fauver and Alex Fauver. Nancy has 2 Great-grandchildren, Stephanie and Katelyn Force, a brother, Richard Tolsma and his wife, Elaine, of Williamsville, NY, a sister, Judy Tolsma Benson, and her husband, Ronald, of East Amherst, NY, 18 Nieces and 11 Nephews. She made sure that every one received a birthday card for the years of their lives.
There are no calling hours. A Celebration of her life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 18 Wesley Way, Rte 11A, Gilford, NH on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church at P.O. Box 7408, Gilford, NH 03247 or The Taylor Community, 435 Union Ave, Laconia, NH 03246
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.