She was the heart of her family
MELROSE — Joan E. (MacMillen) Bell, a lifelong resident of Melrose died unexpectedly on February 13 at the age of 64. She was born in Boston to the late Florence (Collins) and Walter MacMillen on June 30, 1960. Joan was raised in Melrose, graduating from Melrose High School in 1978. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from UMASS Boston.
Joan was Melrose. She raised her own family in Melrose with her husband Barry whom she married at Incarnation Church in 1983. She spent her career dedicated to the city serving as the Superintendent of Parks and Open Spaces for more than two decades. Whether you saw Joan at Mt. Hood or driving around from park to park, she always had a smile on her face, looking to lend a hand wherever she could. Joan was also a member of the Melrose Alliance Against Violence for twenty years and served as its President of the Board of Directors.
Joan was the heart of her family, their rock, their voice of reason and the life of every party. She had an effortless way of bringing people together, filling every room with warmth, laughter and a little bit of wisdom when it was needed most. But above all, she was absolutely infatuated with her five grandchildren who were the greatest joys of her life. She cherished every moment with them, soaking up their giggles, their stories and their endless love.
An avid crafter, Joan’s hands were always busy creating something beautiful. She found peace in the simple joys of life, deck nights with family and friends, enjoying a good book by her beautiful koi pond, walks on the beach and spoiling her grand-puppies with endless affection and treats.
Her favorite saying “This too shall pass” was a mantra she lived by, always reminding her family to embrace life’s ups and downs with grace and gratitude. She never let a day go by without expressing how truly blessed we are. Joan’s legacy is one of strength, compassion, and kindness; values that her family will carry forward in her honor.
She was the beloved wife of Barry Bell of Melrose. Loving mother of Samantha Powers and her husband Kenny of Melrose; Teagan Gummow and her husband Andrew of Salem; and Brooke LeVasseur and her husband George of Danvers. The proudest grandmother of Connor, Audrey, Piper, Jameson and Rory. Sister of John MacMillen and his wife Lisa of Derry, NH and Barbara O’Neill and her husband Arthur of Melrose. Aunt of Catherine Finley and her husband Jack; Kelly Smith and her husband Christopher; and Sean O’Neill.
Visiting hours were held on Wednesday, February 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. A funeral Mass was held at Incarnation Church, 425 Upham St., Melrose on Thursday, February 20 at 10 a.m. Interment followed the mass at Puritan Lawn Cemetery, 185 Lake St., Peabody. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions were made to the Melrose Alliance Against Violence, 235 W. Foster St., Melrose, MA 02176. To sign online condolence, visit gatelyfh.com.