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Joyce Bell Obituary
Joyce Bell
December 24, 2023
Joyce Bell, former longtime resident of Monument, died Dec. 24, 2023, at Liberty Heights senior living community in Colorado Springs. She was 92.
Joyce Gadalia Popo was born Aug. 20, 1931, in New York City to Esther and Irving Popo. Both were Russian-Jewish immigrants who came to the United States as children.
Joyce grew up in Kingston, New York. She attended public schools and graduated from the University of Rochester in 1954 with a degree in nursing.
The lure of an outdoors lifestyle brought Joyce to Colorado Springs, where she met the love of her life – Cleveland Lincoln Bell Jr. – in 1956. Their early dates included climbing Pikes Peak and other 14ers.
Joyce and Cleve married on Aug. 31, 1957. Joyce worked as a public health nurse in Boulder County before choosing to stay home to care for her children. Cleve's career in the computer industry took the family to Minnesota, New Zealand, Southern California, Greece, and Japan. But they always returned to their home base in Monument.
In retirement, Joyce enjoyed an active lifestyle. She and Cleve had many adventures, including foreign and domestic trips with family. They traveled the country in an RV and discovered Happy Trails, a senior community in Surprise, Arizona that became their winter home.
Joyce was an active community member in Happy Trails and Monument. She was an avid quilter, gardener, and rock collector. She loved books, reading and volunteering at libraries.
Cleve passed away April 14, 2017. Joyce moved from Monument to Liberty Heights, where she made many friends among residents and staff members.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Arnold; and her husband.
She is survived by a sister, Elinor Lacy, of Minden, Nevada; daughters Lisa Duggan (Kevin) of Fort Collins; Julie VanLaanen (John) of Westcliffe; son Craig Bell of Colorado Springs; granddaughters Kara Duggan of Littleton; Nicole Duggan of Fort Collins; Tess VanLaanen (Keita Linden) of Platteville; Corrie VanLaanen of Fort Collins.
A private service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joyce's memory may be made to the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Friends and family will miss Joyce for her loving, caring nature, and exuberant personality.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Bell
6 Entries
Andi Miller
January 5, 2024
The Bells lived down the road from us. They baby sat us, I ran to their home when one of our horses was ill right across the field from them. I knew their home as an extension of mine. Kick the can in their front yard. She was a wonderful lady. So many memories of her. My condolences to all
Joy and Ron Oliver
January 1, 2024
We had lots of wonderful meals and gatherings. My love goes out to you and your family. Love and blessings. Joy and Ron Oliver.
Claudia Swenson
January 1, 2024
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom & Grandma! She was one of a kind and I loved to play Maj Jong with her! Rest In Peace Dear friend !
Claudia Swenson
JUDY CHILDERS
December 31, 2023
Joyce
You and Cleve were a wonderful and fun couple. I miss you both and the good times in the CMC. Peace.
Judy Childers
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Sue Vanlaanen
December 29, 2023
Thank you to Joyce´s loving family for the wonderful story of her life. I only met her once or twice through my sister-in-law Julie, so much of her interesting history was news to me. My condolences to you all - I know firsthand the daily difficulties and sense of loss that families bear on the bumpy journey through dementia. May you all find peace and healing now, and joy in shared memories in the future.
Elinor Lacy
December 29, 2023
This is her little sister Elinor. I was known as Bratso by my sister when I was small. I loved being with her and her many friends. That´s how I got my nickname.
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