Mary Ann (Gilson) Bell, a longtime resident of Needham, passed away on July 1, 2004 after a long and courageous battle with Cancer. She was 70 years old. Born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Mary was raised and educated in Rockford, Ohio. She has been a Needham resident since 1954. Mary worked at the Berkeley Store for 32 years until its closing. She was also very active in the Christ Episcopal Church of Needham where she served as a directress of the Altar Guild, served as a Eucharistic Minister and was a member of the Pastoral Response Committee. Last Fourth of July Mary and her husband Bob celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and renewed their vows along with their closest friends and relatives. Mary will be greatly missed by all that knew her and loved her. She is survived by her husband, Robert W. Bell of Needham; 4 children, Robert Bell and his wife Joanne of Foxborough, Charles Bell and his wife Pamela of South Deerfield, Kathy Mercuri and her husband Albert of Medfield and James Bell and his wife Lori of Bellingham. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Julie, Jamie, Amanda, Keith, Michael, Natalia and Alex. She was the sister of the late Paul and Peggy Gilson. A funeral service was be held at the Christ Episcopal Church of Needham, 1132 Great Plain Avenue, Needham on Saturday July 3rd At 11 a.m.. Visiting hours were held in the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Avenue, Needham on Friday 4-8 p.m. Burial was private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Ann’s name may be made to the Christ Episcopal Church Altar Guild, 1132 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492. Arrangements by the Eaton Funeral Home, Needham.