Ethelyn M. Bell, a resident at the Clyde Cosper Veterans Home in Bonham, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2024, at the remarkable age of 100. She was born on October 4, 1923, in Wallingford, Connecticut, to Charles Carl Szad and Gertrude Mary (Docker) Szad. For her 100th birthday, she requested 100 cards but ended up getting over 7,200 cards and letters from around the world.
Ethelyn (Ethel) served her country with pride as a nurse in the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant during World War II. She served with the Army Nurse Corps in the Philippines and Nagoya, Japan. Her dedication and compassion touched the lives of many during a time of great need.
After serving time in the U.S. Army, she worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital in McKinney. On October 16, 1948, Ethel married the love of her life, the late Charles E. Bell, with whom she shared 57 happy years.
Ethel’s passion for caring extended beyond her military service, as she worked as a school nurse for North Ward and West Ward in McKinney, Texas. Her commitment to the well-being of others left an indelible mark on the communities she served.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ethel was a loving wife, mother, aunt, sister, and friend. She also loved dogs and had many pets through the years. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.
She is survived by her son, Tom Bell of Prosper, Texas; daughter, Cindy Brisko and husband, Tom of Flower Mound, Texas; sister-in-law, Betty Bell of Chandler, Arizona; nieces in Connecticut and Florida, and other loving family and friends.
Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Charles E. Bell; parents, Charles and Gertrude Szad; and sisters, Mildred Grady and Jean Young.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 23, 2024 at Walnut Grove Cemetery, W Highway 380, North FM 2478, West CR 79, Prosper, Texas.
The family deeply appreciates the dedicated, loving, and caring staff at Clyde Cosper Veterans Home that treated our mother like a Queen. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial contributions be sent to Clyde Cosper Veterans Home, 1300 Seven Oaks Road, Bonham, Texas 75418, or to an animal rescue group of your choice.