Obituary of Helen Bell

Helen Elizabeth Bell, 90, of State College, died Monday, November 14, 2011 at The Fairways at Brookline Village, State College. Born July 16, 1921, in Nemacolin, Greene County Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Gilmore F. and Mary Kathryn Schnebly Bell. Dr. Helen E. Bell is survived by two nephews: James L. Haines and his wife, Rebecca Olson and R. Daniel Haines and his wife, Judy. She attended schools in Greene County, graduating from Cumberland Township High School in Carmichaels, PA. Miss Bell attended Hood College in Frederick, Maryland graduating with a baccalaureate degree in Home Economics with minors in Education and Music in 1943. In 1952, Miss Bell moved to State College and enrolled at Penn State in the College of Home Economics where she studied toward an advanced degree. She received a Master's degree in Family Economics and Home Management in 1954. In 1965, Miss Bell was granted a Sabbatical leave to start a graduate program at Michigan State University, majoring in Home Management. Alternating periods of work and leave granted by Penn State, she completed requirements for the doctoral degree which was conferred by Michigan State in 1973. All of Dr. Bell's work experience was related to her major field of study, Home Economics. She taught at both high school and college levels and in adult education. She served as Home Service Representative for a utility company before starting graduate study. She joined the Penn State Cooperative Extension Service and served as Home Management Specialist and as Program Leader for Home Economics Extension programs, retiring from that position on December 31, 1983. Dr. Bell was granted Emeritus status, retiring as Professor Emeritus of Home Management Extension. Dr. Bell was an active member of Diakonia Presbyterian Church, USA, serving terms as Ruling Elder and as Clerk of Session. Her church activities included membership on committees of Huntingdon Presbytery and as Moderator and Treasurer of Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery. She was also a member of the State College Presbyterian Church. Dr. Bell sang for many years with the State College Choral Society and was an avid supporter of musical groups in the community. She was a long-time member of Altrusa International of Centre County, serving one term as president of that organization. She maintained membership in organizations related to her profession: American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Epsilon Sigma Phi, Alpha Omicron Nu. Dr. Bell was a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association. Memorial Service will be held at Foxdale Village, State College at a later date. Memorial Contributions may be made to Helen E. Bell Trustee Scholarship, College of Health & Human Development, PSU at 201 Henderson Building, University Park, PA 16802 or Foxdale Employee Appreciation Fund at 500 E. Marylyn Avenue, State College, PA 16801. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be made at www.kochfuneralhome.com.