ForeverMissed
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*Rosemary's family encourages loved ones, colleagues, and former students to share happy stories memories here to help celebrate her life. Please click "Stories" above to leave a note.*

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After a love-filled week surrounded by friends and family that set a new visitor record at Morristown Medical Center's hospice care unit, Rosemary Bell (nee Egan) ended her heroic three-year battle with cancer on June 7, 2017 with her signature strength, humor, and grace.

Rosemary was born in Morristown, grew up in Lake Parsippany, and lived in Whippany. She attended Parsippany Hills High School, William Paterson University (B.A.), The College of St. Elizabeth and Nova Southeastern University (M.A.).

She was an accomplished and respected educator at Woodmont Elementary School in Montville, where she taught with passion, patience, and wisdom. Her 5th grade social studies class inspired hundreds of young people to grow into caring, informed, and responsible citizens.

Rosemary attended St. Ann R.C. Church in Parsippany and was a dedicated member of the New Jersey Education Association. A generous creative talent, she leaves behind beautiful knitted, woven, sewn, crafted, and quilted pieces for her loved ones to enjoy.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 25 years, Ian Bell; her cherished daughter Sara Schoenleber; parents Anne and Thomas Egan, sisters: Joanne Spitzli and husband Chris, Maribeth Egan and husband Rob Parrish; brothers: Patrick Egan and wife Joan, Christopher Egan and wife Tricia, Thomas Egan and wife Mary, and James Egan. She is also survived by sister and brother in-law Ann and Rick Serafin, eighteen nieces and nephews, extended family, honorary family, and many colleagues and friends.

Rosemary is predeceased by paternal grandparents Patrick and Mary Egan, maternal grandparents Andrew and Rose Cicala, uncle Andrew Cicala, mum-in-law Isobel Bell, friend and mentor Vickie Bruce, and others who are fondly remembered.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial gathering on Monday, June 12 between the hours of 4:00pm - 8:00p.m. at Par-Troy Funeral Home (95 Parsippany Road, Parsippany NJ). A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 13 at 10:30a.m. at St. Ann R.C. Church (781 Smith Rd, Parsippany, NJ). Interment will be private at Gate of Heaven Cemetery (East Hanover, NJ) on Wednesday, June 14. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rosemary's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), Whippany Fire Department (www.whippanyfire.com), or Autism Speaks (www.autismspeaks.org).


Tributes

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Doris Lee
March 26, 2019
March 26, 2019
Mrs. Bell was my 5th grade teacher in 2004. During 5th grade graduation- I expressed how I didn’t want to go to middle school because then I’d run into a previous older bully (a previous student of hers) and that I’d see him again in the hallways. She eased my worries with a joke and an infectious laughter that allowed me to be more confident the following school year. Thank you for being an amazing teacher and for the smiles & laughter you provided to your students. Rest In Peace Mrs. Bell.
Dom Jervis
September 30, 2018
September 30, 2018
Happy 60th birthday in Heaven, Dear Sweet Beautiful Lady. Please know that you are missed, and are thought of often...and fondly so.
Dom Jervis
September 30, 2017
September 30, 2017
Rosemary was Always a sweetheart. I don't recall her ever not having a smile on her face. When I found out she had become a teacher, I was hearkened back to the now-immortal words of Christa McAuliffe "I touch the future. I teach." There is no doubt in my mind that former students came to her and told her how positively she had impacted their Lives. Perhaps one or more even told her she had inspired him/her to become a teacher, as well. I can think of no more Fitting Tribute. Rest in Peace, Beautiful Lady, and please know that you are fondly remembered and you DID leave a wonderful Legacy.
Andrea Mitsaelides
June 13, 2017
June 13, 2017
Only knowing Rosemary for a short time as my colleague at Woodmont, I instantly fell in love with her contagious personality and smile. She was more than helpful with any questions I had and gave me invaluable tips each day. God only takes His strongest, please watch over us, beautiful Angel. Much love, many blessings always.
Cheryl Wedemeyer
June 12, 2017
June 12, 2017
My most precious memories include Rosemary. We grew up together on Berlin Road. Rosemary, Marianne and I were inseparable. We went to school every day together, slept at each other’s houses, and in each other’s back yards, and spent many hours in our clubhouse (Andy’s shed) under the name of “The CheMarRos” (our club name). Get it? In our younger years we were infatuated with The Jackson Five and The Osmond Brothers, hung out on the block or down the lake. In later years we would sit in each other’s rooms and listen to loud music and do other things that drove our parents crazy. These were the best times of my life. Every child should experience the kind of childhood friendship we had. Unfortunately, as we grow older, our lives change; we move away, but always have a special place in our hearts for these wonderful friends. This beautiful person. I’m sorry I never got to meet Rosemary’s daughter Sara. My thoughts and prayers go out to Sara, Rosemary's husband, parents, brothers, sisters and extended family.  Rosemary, give Marianne my love and talk about the good ole days! Love you! Cheryl Buzzelli Wedemeyer

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Recent Tributes
Doris Lee
March 26, 2019
March 26, 2019
Mrs. Bell was my 5th grade teacher in 2004. During 5th grade graduation- I expressed how I didn’t want to go to middle school because then I’d run into a previous older bully (a previous student of hers) and that I’d see him again in the hallways. She eased my worries with a joke and an infectious laughter that allowed me to be more confident the following school year. Thank you for being an amazing teacher and for the smiles & laughter you provided to your students. Rest In Peace Mrs. Bell.
Dom Jervis
September 30, 2018
September 30, 2018
Happy 60th birthday in Heaven, Dear Sweet Beautiful Lady. Please know that you are missed, and are thought of often...and fondly so.
Dom Jervis
September 30, 2017
September 30, 2017
Rosemary was Always a sweetheart. I don't recall her ever not having a smile on her face. When I found out she had become a teacher, I was hearkened back to the now-immortal words of Christa McAuliffe "I touch the future. I teach." There is no doubt in my mind that former students came to her and told her how positively she had impacted their Lives. Perhaps one or more even told her she had inspired him/her to become a teacher, as well. I can think of no more Fitting Tribute. Rest in Peace, Beautiful Lady, and please know that you are fondly remembered and you DID leave a wonderful Legacy.
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Recent stories

Gone too soon :(

June 12, 2017
by Dom Jervis

Rosemary was a dear, sweet woman who will Forever have a place in my heart. We were HS classmates, and she sat next to me in 8th Grade Block (English & History) class. I could not believe I was blessed with sitting next to such a Beautiful Girl (not only on the outside, but also on the inside, which is FAR more important).
I believe I can count on one hand the number of times I saw her when she DID NOT have a smile on her face. And such a Beautiful, Radiant smile it was.
I meant to say something to her Family when I attended her Memorial today, but I spaced. Wanted to tell them "I did not know that she had become a Teacher. That hearkened me back to the now immortal quote from Christa McAuliffe 'I touch the future. I teach.'" 
The Logistics weren't there for me to do this. But wanted to ask if they would allow me to lead a group prayer, as follows:
"Heavenly Father, we thank you for all the years we were blessed with our Beloved Rosemary, and for the memories we will carry for her until the day we meet her again. Welcome her into your Heavenly Kingdom, Oh Lord, and grant Eternal Rest and Bliss unto her Beaufiful Soul. We ask these things in the name of Your Beloved Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and it is in His Name that we pray...Amen. 

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