Nancy Bell, 86

Nancy Edith Bell, age 86, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024, surrounded by family, at Edgewood Health and Rehabilitation after a long illness due to complications from advanced Lyme disease.

She was born in Benton Harbor, the eldest daughter of Estel L. Bell and Letha M. (Floyd) Bell.

Nancy graduated from Marcellus High School in 1956. After high school she became a certified radiology technician (AART) in 1960.

She then worked her way through Western Michigan University earning a Bachelor of Science in History and Sociology in 1968. In 1969, she received a Master’s in Orientation and Mobility rehabilitation for the blind. Later in her career, she earned a Masters in Medieval Studies.

As part of her training, she worked at Heines Veterans Hospital in Chicago as an instructor doing research with long cane techniques. After this, she and her group were given a grant from the University of Canterbury to go to New Zealand to work with the specially adapted canes and new glasses being developed. While in Auckland, she also worked with the Royal Guide Dogs for the Blind.

After a year in New Zealand, Nancy’s research continued at Boston College and at MIT developing special glasses for the blind. With these devices, clients were able to distinguish between buildings, trees, etc.

In 1974, she returned home to Three Rivers and bought her beloved Zwingli Farm. She spent the rest of her life there. She continued to work as a consultant with Low Vision Services in Elkhart County.

The farm had goats, sheep, and a pet turkey, along with her faithful dogs. When the sheep needed a protector, the donkeys showed up. They continue to protect the fields today.

The last several years, she worked at GilChrist Retreat Center. Nancy loved the people that she met and worked with. She truly was in a unique neighborhood. You would see her driving through the Hermitage, on her golf cart going to work.

During this time, she turned to a spiritual and quiet lifestyle. She was a truly happy person. She was a voracious reader, talked with friends all over the country, and studied theology. And she loved dancing at weddings.

Remaining to cherish her memory are her twin sisters, Sandra (Wayne) Smith and Sally (Ron) Vellenga; brother-in-law, Gordon Knauss; niece, Stephanie Chrisman (Shane Casey); nephews, Mike Knauss (Karen) and David Omo; and great-nieces and nephews. Special friends Bill Baltz, Anthony Franchina, Rich Wheat, and Steve and Mickey Fisher. Without their help, we could not have managed without them after the start of her illness.

She was preceded in passing by her parents and sister, Fern Knauss.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation will be conducted. A gathering of friends/family will be held January 18, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers.

Donations in Nancy’s memory may be directed to the St. Joseph County Animal Rescue Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.