Local artist, Susie Bell, passed away at home in Chestnut Hill on November 26, 2024. Born in New York City on October 1, 1952, to Mary Bentley Baker and Robert Lynn Baker, Susie graduated from Sacred Heart in Greenwich, CT, before studying Art at Briarcliffe College and later at New York University.
Mrs. Bell was a longtime Philadelphia resident, moving to Rittenhouse Square in the late 1970's. She moved to Chestnut Hill in 1980, shortly after the birth of her daughter Tabor, whom she biked back and forth to Springside Academy for many years. Susie was an active supporter and volunteer for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and was a member of the local "Random Garden Club", leading the committee during their participation in the 1986 Philadelphia Flower Show and winning a Blue Ribbon for Best in Show, in the Floral Show section, under the theme "Hometown USA". An avid golfer, Susie could often be found around the practice greens in Prouts Neck, ME during the summer, and proudly shot a hole in one on the 14th hole at Gulph Mills on April 29, 2001.
On May 18, 1996, Susie married her best friend, James Thompson Bell, formerly of Gladwyne, PA, who predeceased her on May 16, 2014. In addition to her daughter Tabor Story, she is survived by a sister, Mary Ellen Baker, brother-in-law James Sweeney, as well as in-laws George and Carrie Bell and Sophie and Dill Ayres.
A memorial service will be held at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 226 Righters Mill Road, Gladwyne, PA 19035, at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025.
