Date of Death: December 23, 2024
Service Details
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, Mi.
Obituary Notice
Nancy Edith Bell, age 86, passed away 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, Mi, the eldest daughter of Estel L. Bell and Letha M. (Floyd) Bell.
She 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, her 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 the Low Vision Services in Elkhart County, Ind.
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. She 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.
Additional Information
Donations in Nancy’s memory may be directed to the St. Joseph County Animal Rescue Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
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I got to know Nancy as a co-worker at the Fetzer Institute. In fact, during my first visit to Gilchrist we celebrated her 80th birthday as a staff. She made some funny jokes about her age and I knew instantly what a special human she was. Nancy was a gift to the world and I am inspired by her example of wit, wisdom, deep presence, and care for the earth and its human and other than human inhabitants!
Sandy and Sally,
Condolences to you both.. I remember Nancy loving her animals. My prayers are with you both
I was privileged to know Nancy as a co-worker at the Fetzer Institute. She was an inspiring human being. I was always touched by our conversations, her wisdom and humility, and the deep sense of grounded peacefulness she shared with all she met. I am grateful for her life, her deep presence, and all she brought to this world.
I was Nancy’s neighbor for a few years and recall a lovely tea in her back yard near the stone wall, not far from the donkeys.
Nancy was a committed supporter of sustainable foods and neighborhood connections.
She was the most extroverted hermit I have known (but I have not known many). The Light shone through her.