NEW HAVEN — Members of the Seth Warner-Rhoda Farrand Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution helped Betty Bell celebrate her 90th birthday on Nov. 10 meeting with recognition and refreshments. Bell is a 45-year-member of the organization.
A dedicated volunteer in her hometown of New Haven, Bell is one of the original founders of the New Haven Historical Society and has initiated many program ideas and speakers, plus trudging door to door selling the annual New Haven Historical Calendar.
A lifelong member of the New Haven Congregational Church, Betty served as a trustee and raised thousands of dollars for church repairs by coordinating dinners, auctions, bazaars and more.
Betty Bell has served her community as a justice of the peace, member of the New Haven Zoning Board, and currently volunteers at the Town Clerk’s Office.
She is a past president of the Vermont Old Cemetery Association and has contributed many hours caring for the Evergreen and Riverside cemeteries.
Betty worked with the Bristol Food Shelf for many years in addition to delivering meals to shut-ins.
She has served the Vermont State Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, in the capacity of vice regent, registrar, and caretaker of the John Strong Mansion and Museum in Addison. Despite her loss of sight, Betty is the current librarian for the Seth Warner-Rhoda Farrand Chapter, DAR, and is instrumental in delivering historical books to local elementary schools.
Betty and her husband, George, have been married 68 years and still enjoy independent living arrangements. A daughter, Pat, lives next door and son, George, lives in Missouri. The Bells have three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.
Editor’s note: This story was provided by Joy Minns.