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The Pinecone
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September 2015
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LOV I NG L I F E AND K I R BY P I N E S
Peggy Bell
Paean – a song of praise and joy that, for this article, brings special
recognition to the volunteers at the Kirby Pines Retirement
Community. As we highlight the volunteer work of Peggy Bell,
we also acknowledge the range of remarkable efforts of other
residents – volunteers who touch the lives of
many.
The daughter of Bathenia Hazelwood Foote
and Aubrey Foote, Peggy Foote Bell received
an Associate Degree from the Office Training
School and began a career in the business
sector. She worked at Dun and Bradstreet,
for 5 years before working for the Memphis
Light, Gas and Water for 35 years. In 1990,
Peggy married William Bell, an Attorney
with MLGW. Life was good. They moved
into the Kirby Pines Retirement Community
in 1996, initially selecting one of the garden
homes rather than an apartment. William Bell
passed away in 2010.
Withno childrenor grandchildren to claimher time, Peggy searched
out ways to make her solo life enjoyable. Kirby Pines offered
many opportunities for her to use her business acumen and natural
friendliness for the greater good for others. She volunteered at St.
Francis Hospital, greeting incoming patients and their families.
Her work with the Kirby Pines Marketing Department included
talking with potential residents who attend the luncheons. She
never passed up an opportunity to promote the value of a home
at Kirby Pines. Current residents remind Peggy of when they first
met her and her extolling the pluses in buying into this retirement
community. For 6 years, she served on the Residents Association,
as Secretary, then Vice President, and last as President. Sunday
services find Peggy helping with Communion and/or playing
hymns on the piano. She smiles at the memory of always being
cast as the “dumb blonde” in the Drama Club presentations. Her
Peggy and Bill after moving to Kirby Pines Retirement Community
love of travel and, especially cruises, gave the opportunity to say
to other residents “join me in going to….” and “let’s go to Alaska
or the Caribbean…” The enjoyment of travel was enhanced by
having fellow residents with her on the boat.
Peggy exemplifies the Kirby Pines Volunteer
efforts; she is one of many but the volunteers
have a common denominator – a desire to be
of service wherever there’s a need for another
pair of hands. Peggy says that health issues
have slowed her down a bit – but she continues
to be found at the bridge games, at the bingo
sessions, and at vesper services. Reaching out
to others is her natural métier and, in return,
these others enrich Peggy’s life.
The truism “one reaps what one sows” says it
best – a paean to our volunteers.
-Jacqueline Besteman, Resident
The Bells on their wedding day - 1990