Ann M. Bell

Ann Mildred Bell, age 90, of Forked River, NJ (and formerly of Old Bridge, NJ and Jersey City, NJ), died peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Wednesday, December 9th, 2020.

Ann was born in Jersey City, NJ and is the beloved daughter of the late Dominick and Theresa Fabio. Ann is predeceased by her dear husband, John, and her eldest daughter, Ann. 

She is mourned by her family, Steve Dusko (husband of Ann), her daughter, Karen Potter, and husband John, her son, John Bell, and wife Karen. 

She was blessed with seven grandchildren, Laurie and Maria Dusko, Christopher, Caitlin, and Eric Potter, and John Ryan and Matthew Bell. She is also a Great Grandmother to Livia and Jaxon Bell, and Benjamin Potter. Her family meant the world to her.

In elementary school, Ann was found to be academically gifted and was advanced two grades. She graduated high school with honors, played the accordion, and was cast as the lead in several musical productions.

While working at Hearst Publications in Manhattan, she met and married John Bell, her beloved husband of 56 years until his death in 2007. Together they bought a home in Old Bridge, NJ where they raised their three children. 

After finishing her career with Bell Laboratories, Ann retired with her husband to a waterfront home in Forked River, NJ. She loved her home and made it the site of many cherished memories for over 30 years. She also enjoyed travelling around the world with her husband, family, and friends.

Her volunteering was extensive. In the early 1960's, she started the first Girl Scout troop in central New Jersey. She was a member of the Cheesequake Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary while living in Old Bridge, NJ. In Forked River, she was an active member of the Women’s Club. As a devout Catholic, Ann was very active at her beloved St. Pius church, where she was honored to serve as Eucharistic Minister, and CCD Teacher.

Ann’s legendary meatballs, her glorious dinners for family and friends, her empathy, kindness, and a heart that loved deeply, barely scratches the surface of the life force that was, and is, our Mother. Her spirit lives on in the legacy of good works, compassion, and love for all that she exuded every day. 

Honoring Ann’s final wishes, there will not be a viewing, but a Mass will be celebrated in her honor at St. Pius X in Forked River, NJ on Monday, December 14th at 11:30am. Due to CoVid restrictions, no flowers are allowed in the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), as Saint Jude was Ann's lifelong patron saint. Following the Mass, Ann will be interred with her husband and parents in North Jersey. 

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