Nancy Bell
March 27, 1960 ~ January 20, 2023
Nancy Lea Bell, 62, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Friday, January 20, 2023, at her home. A celebration of Nancy's life will be from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday March 4, 2023, 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 heart-felt 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, Missouri 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.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
I’m so sorry for your loss Jim Chris & cody thinking of you & remembering you in my prayers I so enjoyed watching the boys play baseball Nancy was always there cheering them on
Bret and I are so sorry about your loss Jim, Chris, and Cody. Our hearts go out to Bell Family as well as our prayers. We have been so privileged to have Nancy as a great friend and neighbor for the last 30 + years and will miss our time together. I will also treasure the times we had wine together, Nancy’s smile and sense of humor will never be forgotten. We enjoyed the times on your porch , especially the night after the derecho. We lost a great wife/Mom/friend and have gained an Angel that will watch over all of us. We love you and will always be here for you guys.
Bret, Karen, Zach, and Kelsie Tinkey
I am so sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing Jim, Chris, and Cody. Nancy was a beautiful woman, with a sweet heart. I have great memories of golfing with her at Elmcrest on the women’s league. Most recently this past year we got to reconnect at Vlasy. We seemed to have our appointments at the same time. I will miss her laugh. You are all in my prayers during this difficult time. 🙏🙏😪💔
We are both heart broken about Nancy’s passing. She had a infectious laugh and we
will always remember her smile in our hearts.
We will treasure the times we spent with her.
JIm & Julie Stepanek
So sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. So many fond memories in our younger days. Jim, Chris and Cody you are all in my prayers.
Jim, Chris and Cody grieving with you. Our hearts are broken. She is not gone, just away. We will miss the sound of her voice, her smile and laughter. I’m thankful for the gift of her. I am a better person for knowing her. Our entire family sends our love and care to yours. She is forever in our hearts
We are so saddened by the loss of Nancy. We had so many fun times with you while the boys grew up and played baseball together. We will hold on to those wonderful memories! Our hearts and prayers are with you Jim, Chris and Cody. Please let us know if there is ever anything you need. Nancy will forever be in all our hearts. Love, Tanya and Kevin Kitterman
Jim, Chris, and Cody….too many memories to share yet they all evoke a common theme of sports, camaraderie, and the smell of gym shoes – even when I would encounter Nancy at work, it was sports that was the common denominator. From all the Martinos we send much love and impassioned wishes for peace and grace to the Bells as you move forward into the unknown.
What a wonderful woman. She will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences Jim, Chris and Cody. Goff bless. Brock Michael
I love you Nancy Bell. You will be dearly missed. Condolences from Mark, Maria, & Angela Holmes.
Nancy so thankful I ran into you at Sam’s Club earlier this year. And happy to call you friend. Rest in peace. Hugs and prayers to Jim, Chris and Cody.
We are thinking of you and your family.
We loved spending time with you and your family in the backyard pool. Lots of great times there! Thankful and blessed to call you and Jim a friend. Prayers, Dave and Teresa Murray.
I am thinking of you and your family. I remember when your little dog passed away you told me you saw a light in your backyard that the doggy was letting you know he/she was still there. I am sure you will show Jim and the boys that same light and that you are always with them!
Dearest Nancy,
I remember you when.
I miss you today.
I will love you forever.
Deepest condolences Jim, Chris, Cody and all who were Blessed to have Nancy in their lives.
God’s Blessings from Julie Rathje & family.
RIP Nancy.
To the family, I am thinking of you during this difficult time. Her smile is what I will always remember and I feel fortunate to have known her.
I am so sorry for your loss. I was lucky to work with Nancy in the tax department at Rockwell Collins. We had a lot of laughs together, and it was obvious how much she loved her friends and family. Wishing you peace during this difficult time.
Aunt Nancy- always so full of life, love, and happiness. She loved her family so so much, including our babies- dearly! We will miss her, so!
So much love to the Bell & McEnany family!! She was a gem, one of a kind. ♥️
Nancy was a lifelong friend. Growing up as kids on Lake Delhi playing kick the can and skiing with the Hartwick huskies and going to ski tournaments as well . Nancy was a giving person and was there for me a couple of times when I needed a place to stay , as my career took me to different places. Gonna miss her ❤️ Prayers to Jim, Christopher and Cody.
So very sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. She was a joyful and remarkable person – wife, mother, coworker. Celebrate her contributions to all of us. Thoughts and prayers to her family.
Nancy was one of a kind. She always knew you and spoke to you and asked about your family! She was full of life…even to the end when he friends brought her out and I saw her! She said hello even though it was difficult! RIP lovely lady! Prayers to your family!💗
We are sending heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Nancy was a wonderful wife and an amazing mom to Chris and Cody. She will be missed by many. Sending many prayers and wishing you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Warm Regards ,
Deb & Scott Stimart
Jim, Chris, Cody & the rest of Nancy’s family. You have my deepest sympathy. Nancy was a fantastic woman and always had a smile on her face! I worked with Nancy many years ago at Collins and would always catch up when I’d see her at the rec center or around the campus. The last time I saw her, she was excited about retiring. It breaks my heart that she was not able to enjoy more of her retirement. May the wonderful memories you have of her give you some peace at this unbearable time.
Sincere condolences, Kathy
Nancy I write this with a very heavy heart. Not only were You a great friend and we shared so many wonderful memories water skiing, snowmobiling just goofing around. You are such an inspriration to others and I will cherish the memories. We Love You Nancy and Jim, Christopher, Cody, Kathy, Susie and Denny. Michele & Todd Worley.
Jim, Chris and Cody, I and Grandma Donna Foege want to give you are deepest sympathy on Nancy’s passing. She was a great and wonderful person and friend. God Bless.
In Nancy, we all enjoyed a very special person. Our family truly spent a lot of time together through youth sports and part of the JFK family. We will cherish those great memories of your entire family. Nancy was one of the very best! 💖
The Lamaak Family
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
What a highly competent and kind co-worker. Always helpful, positive and done with a smile.
Jim, Chris and Cody – your Sunrise Rotary Club reaches out to you with prayers for Nancy and you. You were a very-long time Rotarian with us. We miss you and pray for you all.
Thinking of You and Your Family-
May your hearts feel the tender nearness of God, and caring love of friends, and the cherished comfort of memories. With heartfelt sympathy and prayers.
Dan and Bobbi Ford
Nancy always had a smile on her face and something funny to add to every conversation. With her sharp sense of humor, she definitely had a naughty side that we all loved. She will be missed by all. Sending lots of love and prayers to her husband and boys!!
I worked for a short spell at Rockwell with Nancy. She sat right next to me when we were located at the old Life Investors building for awhile until I think they decided we talked too much & moved her away from me. I remember of the grief she had when an uncle had passed away & she talked a lot about going boating & to a cabin (in Delhi?). I laughed when she said as a newlywed she was bored at home when she was by herself. We sat in a conference room at lunchtime & watched “All My Children”…well, some of us did, I think she was one. She was a nice girl & had a great smile. I didn’t keep in contact with anyone when I left Rockwell. My condolences to the family & also, just read of Wendy’s passing. I graduated from WHS in 1970. Such heartache to lose not only one but two in a family so close together. R.I.P. Nancy & Wendy.
I cannot put words to the amazing influence Nancy has made on our lives. She is with us in ways we are conscious of every day. RIP friend. Love you!