Dottie Bell

Dottie Bell (1935-2019)

Dorothy “Dottie” Bell, 83, of Beacon, and a longtime resident of Glenham, died Jan. 20, 2019.

Born Feb. 21, 1935, in Poughkeepsie, Dottie was the fourth of seven children of Paul and Carolyn (Fleming) Kerr and grew up on a dairy farm 5 miles south of Poughkeepsie. She graduated from Oakwood Friends School and attended St. Francis School of Nursing, where she earned a degree as a registered nurse.

Dottie was a skilled motorcyclist, and among other adventures made the popular biker pilgrimage to cruise Daytona Beach on her 1948 Indian motorcycle. She and her husband, James “Ace” Bell, who died in 1990, raised 11 children in a beautiful home that supported flower gardens, a large vegetable garden, chickens, a pony and an assortment of other pets.

Also known to friends and family as “Ma Bell,” Dottie enjoyed hiking the Beacon mountains, biking the Mohonk Preserve, and being in the company of family and friends. She attended daily Mass for many years and an active member of St. Joachim’s Church in Beacon. She brought her extended family together with many Christmas parties and summer picnics.

She spent many hours assisting those in need with rides to doctor appointments and volunteering for numerous causes. She was an active member of many organizations, including the Verplanck Garden Club, the Beacon Historical Society and the Red Hat Society. She was a founding member of the Mount Beacon Incline Railway Restoration Society.

Dottie is survived by her children: Marilyn Browne (Brian), Andrew Bell, Jerry Bell (Virginia), Eileen Casey (Mike), Maureen Harvey (Mike), Greg Bell (Elaine), Eric Bell (Debbie), Gordon Bell (Adrienne), Jim Bell, Dianne Sandison (Shawn) and Katy Behney (Leonard); as well as 20 grandchildren: Trevor, Clare, Peter, Renee, Noah, Allison, Ellie, Jennie, Shelby, Emma, Bridget, Aiden, Lucas, Matt, Dorian, Audrey, Ava, Caroline, Gavin, and Milo.

She also is survived by her siblings: Paul Kerr, Louise Trancynger, Rosemary Martin, Katy Pedersen (John) and Richard Kerr (Diane).

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, Jan. 24, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, 2 Beekman St., in Beacon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joachim’s at 10 a.m. on Jan 25, with a private interment following. Memorial donations may be made to Mohonk Preserve, the Beacon Historical Society or St. Joachim-St. John the Evangelist Church.

Richard Shoulkin

Richard Shoulkin (1936-2019)

Richard Shoulkin, 82, a longtime Beacon resident, died Jan. 20, 2019, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Newburgh.

He was born Feb. 11, 1936, in North Tarrytown and on Nov. 10, 1962, married his wife, Carole. Richard was a professional photographer for many years, before selling his business to become a sales representative for Chas. J. Smith & Co. in Jersey City. He was a member of the Beacon Hebrew Alliance and the Mid-Hudson Woodworkers of the Northeastern Woodworkers Association. He also enjoyed gardening.

Besides his wife, Richard is survived by his children: Edward Shoulkin (Amy) of Wellesley, Massachusetts, and Sharon Belton (Bill) of Highland, as well as three grandchildren: David, Adam and Kyle.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m. at Sharon Gardens Cemetery in Valhalla. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.

Behind The Story

Type: Obituary

Obituary: Reports the death of an individual, providing an account of the person’s life including their achievements, any controversies in which they were involved, and reminiscences by people who knew them.

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