Rosanna Bell

Rosanna Bell

Age 82 of Wilmington, passed away peacefully, Sunday, July 10, 2016 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home surrounded by her eight children.

Born September 22, 1933 in Leix, County Carlow, Ireland, Rosanna was one of thirteen children born to Thomas and Mary (Shiels) Purcell. She was raised and educated in Ireland prior to immigrating with her sister Bridie to the United States in 1952. Rosie worked for the Leonard family estate in Wilmington upon her arrival to America and became a citizen shortly thereafter. On September 5, 1954 she married William “Ray” Bell in Saint Rose Catholic Church. Together they made their home and raised their family in Wilmington. Rosie’s employment entailed packing TNT at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, working at the First National Bank in Wilmington and Personal Products. Rosie served as the housekeeper and cook for the St. Rose Rectory in Wilmington until her retirement several years ago.

A woman of proud Irish decent, she was a devout Catholic, who enjoyed attending daily Mass. Rosie loved birds, and took great pleasure in gardening and her flowers. A good cup of tea was an important part of Rosie’s daily routine. She leaves behind many wonderful memories shared over a cup of tea, scones and the pairings to the perfect high tea with her family and many friends.

Survivors include her eight children: Rosemary (Dave) Malone of Wilmington, Debbie Bell-Karaszewski (fiancé’ – Curt Shepherd) of Aurora, Kathy (Dave) Pinchetti of San Diego, California, Bernadette Plese of Wilmington, Donna Bell of Braidwood, Mary Theresa Bell of Wilmington, Dan (Melanie) Bell of Naperville and Maureen (Marty) Plese of Wilmington; nine grandchildren: Raymond Malone of Wilmington, Alycen Malone of Los Angeles, California, Michael Plese (fiancé’ – Nicole Tiscia) of Oak Park, Breanna Plese of Bloomington, Ethan and Aidan Bell of Naperville and Zachary, Lexi and Jacob Plese of Wilmington; three brothers: Thomas (Maureen) Purcell and Patrick (Jan) Purcell, both of Luton Beds, England and Joe (Liz) Purcell of Carlow, Ireland; two sisters: Edie (Seamus) Snoddy of Bullock Park, Ireland and Nancy (the late Ned) Finley of Carlow, Ireland; her sister-in-law: Bernice (Jim) Lardi of Wilmington and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as a host of dear friends.

Rosie was preceded in death by her parents; husband William “Ray” Bell on May 12, 2010; sisters: Bridie Purcell, Mary (Martin) Finley and Winifred Purcell in infancy; brothers: Jimmy Purcell, Billy Purcell, and John and Andrew Purcell, both in infancy; her sister-in-law Mary Thompson-Tatro and brother-in-law Leo Bell.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and again Thursday morning July 14th from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday morning in Saint Rose Catholic Church, 604 South Kankakee Street in Wilmington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Steve Bondi officiating.

Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wilmington, where Rosie will be laid to rest with her husband Ray.

Pallbearers will be: Dan Bell, Raymond Malone, Michael Plese, Zachary Plese, Ethan Bell, Aidan Bell and Jacob Plese.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Rosie’s memory to Kuzma Care Cottage, St. Rose School or St. Rose Church.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Rosie’s memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)