At the age of 108 ½, Mildred Nicholson Bell peacefully passed away last week. Born in Pitman, NJ on July 31, 1906, she proudly described herself as a “Pitmanite through and through.”
Mildred had many wonderful memories about growing up in Pitman such as attending the annual New Year’s Day Mummer Parade in nearby Philadelphia and Missionary Society functions. Her family belonged to the local Baptist church.
Mildred married Ralph in 1928 and they became active members of the Pitman United Methodist Church. After that, Mildred joined the Order of the Eastern Star Pitman Chapter #57. Later, the couple welcomed a son and a daughter. Most of the time, Mildred’s role was a stay-at-home mom and an active volunteer.
Everyone at Pitman Manor including her home from 2004 to last week agreed that Mildred was one of the most positive people they had ever met. With a cheerful and optimistic outlook disposition, she cherished every day. Mildred loved all her friends at Pitman Manor, participating in all activities and involving in crocheting, knitting and playing cards.
As a 106th birthday present, Pitman Mayor Russ Johnson declared July 31, 2012 as “Mildred Bell Day” in the borough. Additionally, the Gloucester County Freeholders sent a letter to Pitman Manor declaring the day in her honor throughout all of Gloucester County as well. Her name and birthday greeting graced the marquis of the Broadway Theater in Pitman. The following year, the Order of the Eastern Star Pitman Chapter #57 gave Mildred the Golden Token, an 85 years of service pin — the first of its kind in New Jersey and most likely within the entire Eastern Star organization.
Several years ago, Rev. Dr. Lanie B. Price, former pastor of the Pitman United Methodist Church recalled, “One day while visiting her at Pitman Manor she said to me, ‘You know pastor, this is the best decision we ever made. A friend I went to kindergarten with moved in last month. We’ve been having the best time together, walking in the halls, going down to dinner together. Where else could I have found this atmosphere?’ ” I said to her, “Mrs. Bell, I don’t know anywhere else you could walk down the halls and eat with your friend from kindergarten, especially at 103!”
Mildred is survived by her daughter-in-law, four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and three great great-grandchildren. She is already greatly missed by associates, residents and friends of Pitman Manor.
United Methodist Homes Pitman Manor is more than an assisted living community. Our outstanding team of care givers and our residents are a tight knit family and recipients of the Courier-Post Reader’s Choice 2014 Best Assisted Living Community in South Jersey. To find out more about Pitman Manor visit us at http://www.pitman-manor.umh-nj.org/.
Mildred had many wonderful memories about growing up in Pitman such as attending the annual New Year’s Day Mummer Parade in nearby Philadelphia and Missionary Society functions. Her family belonged to the local Baptist church.
Mildred married Ralph in 1928 and they became active members of the Pitman United Methodist Church. After that, Mildred joined the Order of the Eastern Star Pitman Chapter #57. Later, the couple welcomed a son and a daughter. Most of the time, Mildred’s role was a stay-at-home mom and an active volunteer.
Everyone at Pitman Manor including her home from 2004 to last week agreed that Mildred was one of the most positive people they had ever met. With a cheerful and optimistic outlook disposition, she cherished every day. Mildred loved all her friends at Pitman Manor, participating in all activities and involving in crocheting, knitting and playing cards.
As a 106th birthday present, Pitman Mayor Russ Johnson declared July 31, 2012 as “Mildred Bell Day” in the borough. Additionally, the Gloucester County Freeholders sent a letter to Pitman Manor declaring the day in her honor throughout all of Gloucester County as well. Her name and birthday greeting graced the marquis of the Broadway Theater in Pitman. The following year, the Order of the Eastern Star Pitman Chapter #57 gave Mildred the Golden Token, an 85 years of service pin — the first of its kind in New Jersey and most likely within the entire Eastern Star organization.
Several years ago, Rev. Dr. Lanie B. Price, former pastor of the Pitman United Methodist Church recalled, “One day while visiting her at Pitman Manor she said to me, ‘You know pastor, this is the best decision we ever made. A friend I went to kindergarten with moved in last month. We’ve been having the best time together, walking in the halls, going down to dinner together. Where else could I have found this atmosphere?’ ” I said to her, “Mrs. Bell, I don’t know anywhere else you could walk down the halls and eat with your friend from kindergarten, especially at 103!”
Mildred is survived by her daughter-in-law, four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and three great great-grandchildren. She is already greatly missed by associates, residents and friends of Pitman Manor.
United Methodist Homes Pitman Manor is more than an assisted living community. Our outstanding team of care givers and our residents are a tight knit family and recipients of the Courier-Post Reader’s Choice 2014 Best Assisted Living Community in South Jersey. To find out more about Pitman Manor visit us at http://www.pitman-manor.umh-nj.org/.
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