Saratoga Springs, NY - Rita Marie Bell, age 92, passed away peacefully in her sleep, at Wesley Nursing Home on January 27, 2023.

Born in Warwick Canada, Rita was the daughter of the late Antonio and Angeline (Beaudet) Lavigne. She spent the earlier part of her life in Montreal and was a graduate of Chatelaine College, where she studied Business. Fluent in French and English, Rita worked for a season as an accounts manager at Ridin-Hy Ranch. It was at this Dude Ranch where she met fellow horse-lover and the love of her life, Donald Bell. They married in 1958, resided in Saratoga Springs and were together for 46 years.

Mrs. Bell was a successful Realtor and worked in the Capital District selling Real Estate for 30 years. Rita also volunteered at St. Clement's School, in Saratoga Springs, as a French Teacher & Librarian. Always having a love for horses, the Bells had a respected Racing Stable and owned several winning Standardbreds.

A proud Saratogian, Rita was a Member of St. Clement's Parish. She was part of the committee established to procure and restore the Historic Carousel now located in Saratoga's Congress Park. She was also the Secretary for the Miss Greater Saratoga Pageant which was a Preliminary for Miss NY and Miss America.

Mrs. Bell loved to travel and had visited many popular locations in the USA and abroad. Her favorite adventure was her trip to Egypt, cruising down the Nile and riding a camel at the Pyramids of Giza.

Many of Rita's longtime friends were like family to her, especially the Patrick Ryan family and Tom & Christy Habart and family. She always enjoyed being part of their special celebrations. Rita had a very close bond with her family and was affectionately known as Meme'. She is survived by her two children: Kathleen (Joseph) Piccirillo and James (Holly) Bell; grandchildren: Marcus (Catherine) Piccirillo, Alynn (Andrew) Sherman, Kyle Bell and Amanda Bell; and one great grandson: Emerson Sherman.

The family would like to thank the residents and staff at The Wesley Nursing Home for their kindness and the excellent care Rita received. A special acknowledgment and appreciation is extended to Nursing Supervisor, Diane McMorris.

Relatives and friends may call from 10:00am-11:45am, Tuesday February 7, 2023 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373) followed directly by a funeral home service.

Burial will follow at 1:00pm at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871.

In lieu of flowers Rita requested that donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com