Sister
Amelia Bell, DC
A Mass of Christian burial for Sister Amelia Bell,
DC, educator, was offered at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April
5, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of St.
Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg. Sister Amelia, who was
83, died of congestive heart failure Tuesday, April 3,
at Villa St. Michael, the province’s retirement
residence in Emmitsburg,
Born in Norfolk,Va., Sister Amelia entered the
Daughters of Charity in 1935. She began her 54-year
ministry in education as an elementary teacher at St.
John’s School, Baltimore. She also taught elementary
grades at St. John’s Girls’ School in Baltimore; St.
Ann’s School, Bridgeport, Conn., and mathematics at
Bishop England High School in Charleston, S.C.
In the ensuing years, Sister Amelia was principal and
local superior at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Wilmington ;
Holy Cross Regional School, Lynchburg; St. Joseph
School, Martinsburg, ; St. Joseph High School,
Emmitsburg. Sister also taught English at Cardinal
McCloskey High School, Albany, and Elizabeth Seton High
School, Bladensburg. During the years 1976-1980, Sister
Amelia taught English at Immaculate Conception Academy,
Washington, D.C. In 1981 she was appointed guidance
counselor and subsequently served four years at
Immaculate Conception Academy; two years at All Saints
High School, Washington, D.C. , and four years at St.
Patrick School in Richmond.
Sister’s assignments also included a brief
appointment in pastoral care at sacred Heart Hospital,
Cumberland, and as coordinator of CCD at St. Martin
Parish in Baltimore. In 1991 she was assigned to the
staff of Villa St. Michael. and remained there until
last year when, due to failing health, she retired from
active duty.
Sister Amelia is survived by three sisters: Ann
Bishton, Norfolk; Nancy Bramble, Mechanicsburg; Peggy
Seagrave, Downingtown, Pa. ; a brother, Patrick Vincent
Bell, Ashland, Ky; and numerous nieces, nephews,
grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Daughters
of Charity Support Fund for the Elderly and Infirm
Sisters, 333 S. Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727.
