Margaret Ellen Bell

Margaret "Marge" Bell (née Heaghney), 73, of Valley Park, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025, after a long illness. Born in St. Louis, she was the daughter of William and Margaret Heaghney and grew up surrounded by family who shaped her love of tradition and gathering. She and her husband, Don, shared 56 years of marriage built on laughter, family, and devotion to one another. Together they raised two daughters, Angela (John) and Cheryl (Alex), who will always carry her spirit with them. Marge had a way of noticing the little things and that thoughtfulness made people feel seen. Her quick wit, easy laugh, and open heart made her someone people naturally gravitated toward. She often reminded others to "always be who you are," advice she lived by daily. She liked putting together puzzles and cruising on the lake, where sing-alongs of "Sweet Caroline" and "Sharp Dressed Man" became tradition. She and Don made time for fun, from boating weekends to Las Vegas trips, and she enjoyed playing keno and scratch-off tickets. Holidays and family traditions were her stage; Grandma Marge was the best at hiding Easter eggs, to the delight (and frustration) of her grandchildren, and she was famous for her cheesecake and dirt cake-recipes that will be treasured for generations. Marge and Don were known for bringing people together. They loved tailgating with friends at Rams games, water skiing at the clubhouse, and their Halloween parties were legendary, welcoming neighbors and friends with warmth, laughter, and plenty of fun. At the heart of it all was Marge's kitchen, where she found joy in making big family dinners and gathering everyone around the table. She is survived by her husband, Don; daughters Angela (John) and Cheryl (Alex); her loving siblings, Mary (Jerry), Louis, and Gerard; her cherished grandchildren, Stephen, Brandon, Catherine, Madelyn, and Anya; and her great-grandson, Bellamy. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother William, and her sister Patricia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Marge's name to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. Her family hopes her love for gathering, her humor, and her gentle wisdom will continue to live on in those she touched. Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 23, from 4-8 p.m. at the Jay B. Smith Fenton Chapel, 777 Oakwood Dr. Funeral services will follow on Wednesday morning 10:00 a.m. For more details, please contact the family directly.

Margaret Ellen Bell

December 13, 1951 - September 18, 2025