Diane Bernadette Bell

Diane Bernadette (Johnley) Bell, 75 of Westbrook, died unexpectedly on Thursday, November 20, 2025. She was born on July 1, 1950 to G. Joseph (JJ) and Lorraine Johnley. The oldest of three girls, sister to Nedra and Melissa, Diane grew up on Colonial Road in Westbrook and was lucky enough to raise her own family in that same house. Whether Diane was born a guardian or had a special gift to take charge and take care, she was always there for her family, friends, and causes that mattered to her. She loved music, especially The Beatles, seeing them in concert in Boston in her teens. She loved a good road trip and skiing. A graduate of Westbrook schools and St. Joseph’s College in Bennington, VT, with an Associate’s Degree as Medical Assistant/Secretary. Diane returned home to take care of her family after her mother died of breast cancer when she was 19. As the oldest, Diane made sure life was as normal as possible for Nedra and Missy. More than just looking out for her siblings, she had to grow up fast to help her father, who was born into foster care and held only a sixth grade education, with tasks like paying the bills and writing checks. Her first job was for Dr. White at his in-home office. While considered his right-hand man, she earned the same title for his family as she also helped out with the family’s 14 kids. A date with Reed Bell turned into love that lasted a lifetime. She married Reed in 1975 and until the day she died, she only had eyes for him. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. In 1978, Diane gave birth to identical twin girls, Karen and Kathleen, born stillborn. Jaime was born two years later in 1980 and was the apple of her parent’s eyes. Diane continued her career, working for Dr. Lebel, Maine Medical Center, Southern Maine Physical Therapy, and her retirement job at Hannaford in Gorham. Diane was faithfully by Reed’s side while he battled colon cancer for 12 years until he died in 2004. She was there for appointments, advocating for treatments, and making sure her immediate and larger family had everything they needed, too. Toward the end of his illness, Diane quit smoking and started walking. Her cousin Sue was there guiding her training for the 2-day, 40 mile, Walk to End Colon Cancer in Washington DC and they walked from Westbrook to Sebago one day in preparation. After the immeasurable loss of Reed, training for a cause clearly unlocked a new passion in Diane: walking slowly turned into “slogging” which turned into signing up for her first 5K: Mary’s Walk. It was no coincidence that it benefited Maine Cancer Foundation, a cause Diane would support for the rest of her life. So many people met this Diane, the one who was passionate, driven and competitive. But it was the same Diane, who cared for others and took care of everyone else. She would encourage everyone at every point of their journey but leave you in the dust once the starter horn went off. She was a vibrant and passionate member of Maine Track Club, New England 65+ Runners Club, and Train You Inner Athlete at Westbrook Community Center. She also participated in the AOP’s and The Runaways Club, and a fan favorite, the “Will Run For Beer” series. She also raised money for Maine Cancer Foundation and Maine Needs, and volunteered regularly for Portland Trails. She chose races where she believed in the cause and raised money proudly to help those around her. Races like the Westbrook Strong 5K, Beach to Beacon and Millinocket Marathon were just a few that mattered to her because of their impact on the community. And even in the rare time that an injury prevented her from competing, she would volunteer and cheer on friends (and strangers) alike. She maintained a spreadsheet documenting every race with notes on each, totaling 244 races run. From 5Ks, to half marathons, 10Ks and 10 milers, to 2 marathons, as well as Tough Mudders, Snowshoe Races, Obstacle Courses and hilly climbs running straight up Mount Washington and Sugarloaf. There were also sentimental races too; the Sea Dog’s 5K for Mother’s Day with Jaime and running and volunteering for Beach to Beacon as a duo, too. Her caretaking was evident in the everyday: attending her granddaughter Cora’s recitals and grandson Grayson’s games, the same way she was there for every activity Jaime was in. She did the dishes at family dinners, she’d throw in a load of laundry, post about her family’s restaurant, comment on a friend’s post; she’d be everywhere for everyone and her calendar was packed. She was the type of busybody who channeled that energy and zing into the people around her. But her love was a verb; she did, she showed up, she didn’t stop and she took care of what you needed. Her love for Jaime was in every breath. Both smart, driven, and caretakers, their love was rooted deeply, especially after losing Reed and leaning on each other to survive life without him. Jaime carries on Diane’s best traits including her limitless energy and unwavering nurturing and love, and being that person everyone calls when they need something or someone to help. Diane was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her twin girls, her niece, Erin Connolly, and her sister-in-law, Deborah Bell. She is survived by her daughter, Jaime Fairfield, her husband, Steve, and her grandchildren, Grayson and Cora, of Cumberland. Her sisters, Nedra Connolly, and her husband Dennis of Port Saint Lucie, Florida. Her sister Melissa Severino and her husband Paul of Sebago. Her brother-in-law, Brad Bell, and his wife, Vicky. As well as her dear mother-in-law Barbara Bell who turned 100 in November and her step-mother Connie, who also turned 100 in October. Additionally, she is survived by her nieces and nephews: Ryan Connolly, his wife Whitney and children Liliana and Grafton; Jenna Connolly and her daughters, Giavanna and Skylar; Katie Bell, and her husband Scott Arritt; Joe Bell; Rocco Severino, his children Adrianna, Stella, and Biaggio; Landyn Severino, her son, Nico; Alexis Brochu, and her husband, Liam. Her extended family was great, including 21 first cousins. Diane’s running community was family to her, too. They were by her side on the road and in friendship. Though there was a competitive spirit within the group, it was the time spent together, the miles logged and the craft beers after that will be counted. A special thank you to Portland’s Emergency Services and Maine Medical Center’s team who cared for Diane as well as Steve’s sister Melissa Fairfield, who helped navigate the hospital system that night. Our loss cannot be measured and our hearts are shattered. But never forget the mantra she took on as her own and shared with others when they were struggling to keep perspective on a run, “Dead last finish, beats did not finish, which greatly trumps did not start.” In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with up-front funeral costs and to raise money in her honor for causes dear to her heart. Please join us at Dolby, Blais and Segee on Church Street in Westbrook for visiting hours on Friday, December 5th from 5-7pm, and funeral service Saturday, December 6th at 11am. Burial service immediately followed at St. Hyacinth's Cemetery, next to her beloved husband Reed. All are welcome to join her family and friends for a celebration at Portland Elks Lodge, 1945 Congress St, Portland. To honor Diane, keep talking about her. Share her words of encouragement that she shared with you, take care of each other, show up, help your community and when all else fails, get outside and go for a walk or a run.

Diane Bernadette Bell

July 1, 1950 - November 20, 2025

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