Mary "Jodi" Joette Bell

Olean- Mary “Jodi” Joette Bell

Mary “Jodi” Joette Bell of 3111 Pennsylvania Road passed away on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at the Olean General Hospital following an illness.

Jodi was born on September 24, 1958 in Olean and was the daughter of John and Celestine Cattoni Gallagher.  Formerly married to Ronald “Rick” Bell, Jr.

Jodi was a 1976 graduate of Olean High School.  She raised her family and was a stay at home mom working part time in retail stores. Jodi later continued her education at JCC where she received an Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences and Human Services in 1995.  She then worked at Cattaraugus County Community Action for several years and then she worked for the Early Head Start Program for more than 10 years retiring in 2018.

Jodi appreciated the little things in life including going for a long car ride, stopping at garage sales and playing Euchre.  She made friendships over the years through her work at Early Head Start and was grateful for an early retirement.  Jodi filled her time with her hobbies including cultivating her houseplants, playing with her cats, or watching birds.  She was especially fond of quiet time to herself to reflect.  Attending her grandchildren’s events amused her as Nolan played baseball and the girls danced in recitals and sometimes on the softball field too. 

Its hard to accept all that she will miss as they grow, but all who knew her would agree Jodi’s best advice would be “remember to stop and smell the flowers”. 

Jodi is survived by; her son, Matthew S. (Michelé) Bell of Allegany; 3 grandchildren, Amelia, Nolan and Lauren; a special friend and buddy, Pete Stuckey of Portville. A special heartfelt acknowledgement goes to her chosen family, The Wilbers. and a brother Jack Gallagher.

Jodi was predeceased by; her parents and her daughter, Cassandra Bell on September 19, 2022.

A church luncheon in honor of Jodi will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at 1:00pm-3:00pm at the Ischua Bingo Hall, 5636 Route 16. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Cattaraugus County SPCA, 2944 NY-16, Olean, NY 14760 in care of her cat “Scruffy”.