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Mary Louise (Pankoff) Bell

Mary Louise (Pankoff) Bell, 77, of Fallbrook, CA, died March 18, 2008. She was born in Denver, CO, and lived in California for more than 50 years.

Mary was born January 23, 1931, to Anna May and John Pankoff. She graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1952.

Mary and Raymond Bell, both proud Buffs, were married on June 23, 1952. They raised four children and were blessed with nine grandchildren.

Raymond preceded her in death in 2004.

Mary Bell made her mark on the Fallbrook community in a tremendous way. She moved to Fallbrook with her family in 1971 and became a well-known philanthropic and civic-minded figure in this small town.

In 1982, Mary was awarded Citizen of the Year from the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce. During the 1980s’ failed attempt to incorporate Fallbrook as a city, she was very influential and received the most votes as a potential city council member.

As chairperson of County Service Area 81, she had a significant impact on the planning, financing and building of the Fallbrook Community Center. Mary was later employed by the county for nine years as travel coordinator for the center.

She held elected offices in the Newcomers Club, AAUW and National Charity League.

She was an active member of PTA, The Angel Society, Friends of the Fallbrook Library and the C-Notes.

Mary was a vital member of Fallbrook United Methodist Church for more than 35 years, serving as chair of the Staff Parish Relations Committee.

In 2005, Mary married Wil Gower, her devoted and constant companion, after the death of her husband, Raymond. She is also survived by her children and their families: Claudia Bossaller, Kathleen Wilson, Cheryl Wiegmann and Paul Bell.

The children of Mary Bell have established a scholarship endowment in honor of their parents. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating senior at Fallbrook High School.

The family requests Mary’s memory be honored by directing contributions to The San Diego Foundation, Attention: Ray and Mary Bell Memorial Scholarship, Fund #4400, 2508 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, at Fallbrook United Methodist Church, 1844 Winterhaven Road, with reception immediately following.

 

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