Submitted by: Dan Rich

Rosalyn Bell

Jan. 11,1938 - May 23, 2006

South Bend Tribune 5/25/2006

Rosalyn Bell, 68, passed on peacefully Tuesday, May 23, in St Joseph County Hospice House at 9:15 a.m., surrounded by her loving family. Rosalyn was born on January 11,1938, in Newport News, Virginia, to Osbome and Edna (McGilley) Patterson. Surviving are her husband Wayne Bell; a daughter, Jo A. Lake of South Bend; three sons, Daniel W. Bell of Hindsville, GA; Kenneth W. and Rodney A. Bell, both from South Bend. Also surviving are three sisters, Genevieve Clark of Newport, VA; her twin Carolyn Holbert of Greenville, South Carolina, Mae Lewis of Dallas, TX; and 6 grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, a brother, Paddy, and two sisters, Katherine and Irene.

Rosalyn married Wayne Keith Bell on October 17,1956, after meeting while Wayne was a marine on the USS Valley Forge at the Norfolk Naval Base. It was love at first sight. They settled in South Bend in 1967. Rosalyn worked for Simplicity Pattern Co. And Lock Joint and Lube, then moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, in 1996, returning back to South Bend in 2003. She loved the ocean and spent much of her teen years on Virginia Beach, where at 17, she and her twin Carolyn, otherwise known as the "Pepsi Twins," were runners-up in the Miss Virginia Beach contest. Rose had a passion for nature, gardening, animals, an avid reader of historical novels, World War 11 and Germany, and a lover of music of all types. Gifted and talented as she was, she was a modest, humble lady who never gloated, nor developed her creative soul on a professional level. Those near and dear to her have been blessed and inspired by her in more quiet, subtle ways. She was a genuine Southern Belle; gracious, compassionate-with an "Open Door Policy" in her home, and always a lady. There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. Her life and essence live on through the family she leaves behind-in hope of touching the lives of others as selflessly as our beautiful Rose. Peace be with you, mom-we'll meet again none too soon in heaven. Our family would like to extend a most grateful thank you to Rosalyn's Oncologist, Dr. Troeger and Dr. Zon, their wonderful staff at the Navarre Building, and Memorial Hospital's tenth floor nurses and staff for the professional, dignified, compassionate nature in the handling of Rosalyn's transitions with her CLL.

Palmer Funeral Home is assisting with cremation services. Family and friends may visit on Saturday, May 27 from 2-6 p.m., at her home, 1821 Orkney Dr. No formal services or viewing will be held. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Rosalyn's memory to St. Joseph County Hospice House, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637