Josephine Tomasi Bell

Josephine “Jo” Bell, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and confidante, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 5, 2016. She was born in Los Angeles on November 16, 1920, to Josefa and Timoteo Domeno, who had emigrated from northern Spain. Most of her friends never knew she could speak fluent Spanish. She graduated from John C. Fremont High School and attended Los Angeles City College.

Jo had one child, Linda, and worked briefly during Linda’s growing years. Her first job was a switch-board operator. She was a Brownie leader and coached softball, a sport she had loved in her youth. Jo volunteered with the National Charity League, enjoyed bridge and golf, and was committed to her Catholic faith. She was personnel director at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Los Angeles until 1966, when she married J. Ralph Bell, a prominent quarter horse breeder and racer. It was an exciting new life for her until his passing in 1991. By then they were living in Ventura.

Her passions were cooking, entertaining, and being a source of earnest advice and friendship. Jo’s sense of humor, generosity, and inability to turn down a dare made her approachable, fun, and easy to connect with. She loved making fudge, beef jerky, soups, and lots of delicious meals to share.

Her last years were spent at Cypress Place, where she made many friends and appreciated the kind and loving staff who helped her so much. Special thanks also go to Dr. Mike Tushla and Assisted Hospice for their tender care.

Jo is survived by her daughter, Linda (Chris) Bartelson; granddaughters, Tracy (Bradey) Thurman, and Christina (Douglas) Brown; great grandchildren, Chance, Kaitlyn and Christopher Thurman and Ashlyn and Nolan Brown; as well as her loving nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her husband, J. Ralph Bell, her sister, Lucille Psomas, and her granddaughter, Erika Bartelson.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, January 6, 2017, 11:00 am, at Our Lady of Assumption Church, 3175 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, CA 93003, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her memory to Arc of Ventura County, 5103 Walker St., Ventura, CA 93003, www.arcvc.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com