Josephine Domeno Bell

Josephine Domeno Bell

Ventura, CA

Josephine “Jo” Bell, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and confidante, passed away peacefully on December 5th.  She was born in LA 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.  She 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 LA 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.  Her 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.