Charlotte Ann (McGuinness) Bell
July 25, 1938-Sept. 23, 2021
On Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, Charlotte Ann (McGuinness) Bell, a remarkable woman who radiated love and grace, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family. She was 83.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Charles McGuinness.
With bright eyes and love for all in her heart, Charlotte Ann McGuiness was born in Indianapolis on July 25, 1938. Her parents were Charles Thomas and Margret Ann (Dickerson) McGuinness. Charlotte attended the Academy of the Immaculate Conception Catholic High School in Oldenburg, Indiana. After her graduation in 1956, she began working at the Indiana State Board of Health. There she met Gayle Bell, who decided Charlotte would be a perfect match for her cousin, Robert William Bell. After just two dates, Bob was assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia, and several letters and phone calls later, they were married near there on Feb. 11, 1962. Bob and Charlotte spent 59 years together.
The couple had two daughters, Mary Margret and Jayne Ann. Charlotte enjoyed remodeling houses all over Indiana. She took great satisfaction in making each one into a beautiful home for her family. Charlotte loved history, traveling across the United States and celebrating what she and Bob built together. Charlotte cherished her time with her grandchildren Olivia, Graham, Madilyn, and Grace. She taught them how to bake, traveled to museums with them and showed them the importance of life’s milestones. Charlotte would read to her two great-grandchildren Harrison and Truett. She loved watching them learn to explore and grow.
She is survived by her loving husband, Robert William Bell; daughters, Mary Margaret Cherry (Gregory) and daughter Jayne Ann Lough (Gregory); grandchildren, Olivia Brown (Jared), Graham Lough (Channing) from Darlington, Madilyn Bell of Chicago and Grace Lough of Indianapolis; great-grandsons Harrison and Truett Brown of Darlington; sister Patricia Dobson of Indianapolis; as well as several nieces and nephews.
A memorial mass will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Crawfordsville. Visitation is 1-3 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Darlington.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Bernard Catholic Church, Crawfordsville, or the Darlington Library, 203 W. Main St, Darlington, IN 47940, in Charlotte’s honor.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.huntandson.com.
