Obituary
Mary Ann (Sheldon) Bell, 84, died unexpectedly but peacefully on Tuesday October 15th after a period of declining health. Born in 1940 to George and Della Sheldon in Meadville, PA, our mom grew up in Erie and then Dunkirk, NY where one of her many jobs was at a men’s clothing store where she learned – and never forgot – how to tie the perfect tie.
Our mom went to SUNY Geneseo in 1958 where she met many lifelong friends in the “Clio” sorority with whom she continued to meet each year whenever possible. She met Brian, the love of her life, while at Geneseo and they were married in 1961, having promised her dad she would graduate – which she did with a major in Theatre in 1962. Settling in Canandaigua, they welcomed a daughter and son in 1967 and 1969.
While our mom became an English teacher after college, she found her true passion and calling by giving back to her communities. Starting as a volunteer at Sonnenberg Gardens, she eventually became its Executive Director for many years helping put the non-profit back on profitable ground. After Sonnenberg she became the Ontario County Director of the American Cancer Society until her “retirement” in the late 90s. Over the years, our mom was also on the boards of the Clark Manor House, Ontario County Tourism, Geneva Public Library, and the Town of Geneva Planning Board.
Our mom had so many dear friends not just from her volunteer efforts but throughout her very social and well-lived life. In addition to her Clio friends, she remained close to the Canandaigua bridge ladies, her CenterPointe and Seneca Lake CC golf leagues, the Canandaigua Current Events Club women, the Finger Lakes Investment Club girls, and the Geneva euchre group. Those friendships and the outreaching of support over the past few years – starting with our dad’s passing in 2022 to her health struggles over the past two years – meant the world to her and to us. To paraphrase, if you want to know the true measure of a woman, you simply count her friends.
Our mom was predeceased by her parents, her brother and two nieces. She is survived – and very missed – by daughter Mary Beth, son Brett, daughter-in-law, Sarah, her beloved grandchildren Ryan and Kylie as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. A celebration of our mom’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in our mom’s name to the Ed and Gerry Couny Scholarships are most appreciated. These scholarships were created by our dad, Brian, and his Geneva High School football teammates in honor of their coach, Dr. Ed “Butch” Couny, to support education students at both Hobart William Smith Colleges and Finger Lakes Community College. Our mom was an integral part of these scholarships from inception and loved knowing that each year the scholarships would help students make college a bit more affordable.
Finger Lakes Community College
Attention: Ryan McCabe
Associate Vice President of Academic Technology & High Impact Practices
3325 Marvin Sands Drive
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Hobart William Smith Colleges
Attention: Kelly Young
Assistant Vice President for Development
300 Pulteney Street
Geneva, NY 14456
Please visit www.kenperkinsfuneralhome.com to leave a message of condolence for the Bell family.
Condolences
Barbara McVean from Scottsville,NY 14546 on Oct. 21, 2024
Since meeting and becoming Clio sorority sisters at SUNY Geneseo, I and so many of our "sisters" have been blessed to have shared many fun filled, memorable times with Mary Ann, times I'll remember always.
I loved and admired "Sheldon" for her dedication to her community, her compassion for others, for her wisdom, humor and great sense off style. I loved the happy times when Clios gathered at her home and Brian did his magic on the grill We were all better for having known and loved Mary Ann. She will be gratefully remembered and sadly missed.
Santa Abraham from Geneva on Oct. 22, 2024
I am so sorry to hear about Mary Ann’s passing. I served on the Geneva Library board with Mary Ann. She was a wonderful leader with great ideas and recommendations. We always reconnected a little bit at the scholarship dinner at FLCC. When I first met her, she shared memories of my grandfather with me when he worked for her at Sonnenberg Gardens. I can still hear him call her Marianna in his thick Italian accent. Mary Ann will truly be missed.
Connie DeJohn from Geneva NY on Oct. 22, 2024
Deepest sympathy to family enjoyed playing golf with MaryAnn at SL country club she was a lovely person
Vito Valenzano from Canandaigua on Oct. 23, 2024
Mary Beth & Brett So sorry to hear of Mom's passing. She was a good and loyal friend to both Anna and I
Bob Houle from Mendon, ny on Oct. 25, 2024
Dear Mary Beth and Brett, I am so sorry about the recent passing of your mom and your dad two years ago.
Every time I meet a Sutherland grad I ask if they had Mr Bell for the Viet Nam history class ., many do and they loved him.
Every time I pass your old house in canandaigua I remember good times from C A days. Anytime I pass glass factory bay rd I think of your grand parents and your parents.
I offer condolences and good wishes to both of you. Take comfort that your parents are together again. Peace, Bob
Susan Adams Vadney from Farmington, New York on Oct. 28, 2024
To the family. I was so sorry to learn of Mary Ann's passing. We were still exchanging Christmas cards and it was always a delight to hear from her. My family and I have known your mom for many, many years, starting with the American Cancer Society where my father (Bill Adams) and I served on the board during her time there. My father also served on the Clark Manor House board with her and my mom (June) was in Current Events with her.
She was such a kind and caring person and always no nonsense yet lots of fun. I just loved that about her.
With sincerity and prayers for you all. Susan