Nancy Lea Bell

Nancy Lea Bell

Cedar Rapids

Nancy Lea Bell, 62, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, at her home. A celebration of Nancy's life will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at Shores Event Center, Cedar Rapids. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include her husband, Jim; sons, Christopher Bell and Cody Bell; siblings, Kathy McEnany-Eaton, Susie McEnany and Dennis McEnany; sisters-in-law, Mary Sue Bell, Wendy Bell and Roxanne Casscells; several nieces and nephews; many special friends; and her faithful Springer Spaniel girls, Macie, Nellie and Melrose.

Nancy was born on March 27, 1960, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Clarence and Joyce (Marron) McEnany. She grew up on the northeast side of town, graduating from Kennedy High School in 1978. Nancy began her life-long career as an administrative assistant, first with Peoples Bank in consumer lending department.

While at Peoples she met her future husband, James P. Bell. They married in Cedar Rapids on March 7, 1981. She went on to work for Rockwell-Collins for many years except for a short time at Murdoch Funeral Homes. Nancy officially retired from Collins Aerospace in July of 2020.

Nancy will be remembered for her loving care of her family and friends and the time she spent with them. She was everyone's cheerleader sharing encouragement whenever possible. One of her life's missions was to raise awareness and research funds for the International Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva Association. Soon after her son, Chris' FOP diagnosis as a toddler, Nancy did all she could to help. Through golf outings, social events and silent auctions, Nancy and a special group of friends and family raised well over $150,000.

Nancy was never one to sit still. She loved seeing her son, Cody's success in sports, traveling around the state and country to support him and his teams. Nancy also enjoyed being outside, especially fishing, boating, golfing and spending the days at the family cabin at Lake Delhi. There are many fun memories with the Hartwick Huskys Ski Club.

When the family moved to their current home, Nancy carefully designed the perfect kitchen where she spent many hours cooking and baking. She was a master at bread baking and shared this love with many. Her home and gardens were her happy place.

Nancy's was a true caregiver, wonderful wife, the best mom and awesome sister.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant sisters, Ann Elizabeth and Lucille Ann McEnany; and brothers-in-law, Randy Eaton and Dr. Trip Casscells; and her in-laws, Wendell and Ruth Ann Bell.

The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to the many friends and family that showed so much love and support through Nancy's struggle. Our family will forever be indebted you. The family also extends their thanks to St. Luke's Hospital, Mercy Medical Center, the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center, Hospice of Mercy and Dr. Leila Kutteh for all the care they provided Nancy during her journey.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to IFOPA, in Nancy's name via: www.ifopa.org or P.O. Box 80084, Kansas City, MO 64180, in honor of Chris Bell.

Please share your love and support with Nancy's family on her Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.