Mrs. Anita Joyce Bell (Smalley), age 82, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025, at 9:50 a.m. at Berkshire Hospital in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Born to the late Malcolm Smalley and Cecilia (Gardner) Smalley, Anita was the sister of the late Jean (Smalley) Speer and of Malcolm George "Butch" Smalley and his wife Karen Jane Forgham Smalley.

Anita was previously married to John J. Bell with whom she had John, James and Jean , After receiving her GED, Anita worked in her early years as a waitress at the Chief Taconic Diner on Rigor Hill Road off the Taconic State Parkway in New York.

She then dedicated over forty years to caring for others from her home and later provided family care throughout New York. She retired only four weeks before her passing, a testament to her devotion to serving others.

Anita is survived by her children: • John R. Bell and his wife Susan (Seltzer) Bell of Jacksonville, Florida • Jean Eileen (Bell) Languish and her husband David N. Languish of Delmar, New York

She was predeceased by her beloved son James Richard Bell, whose wife, Heather Bell, resides in Pennsylvania. Anita also cherished her "adopted sister" and dear friend, Pam Dunavin, and her husband Doug of East Chatham, New York. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews as well. Her greatest joy was her family. Anita's grandchildren include Matthew Bell, Kevin Bell, Casey Languish, Steven Bell, Rebecca Languish, and Hannah Bell Perlberg.

She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Burke Bell, Madison Bell, Reagan Bell, and Micah Bell, with a fifth great-grandchild expected this October.

Anita will be laid to rest at The Cemetery of The Maples on Black Bridge Road in Canaan, New York. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will be planned for the spring of 2026.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in honor of Anita's late son, Jim, who passed from pancreatic cancer. For on-line condolences visit wenkfuneralhome.com