Obituary of Sylvia Bell
Sylvia DiMonte Bell, age 82, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and dear friend to many, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, while vacationing in Sarasota, Florida, surrounded by her loving children.
Born on March 29, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Mary (Bucciarelli) and Ralph DiMonte, Sylvia spent nearly her entire life in Joliet, Illinois. She attended St. Mary Magdalene School and Saint Francis Academy before studying at Joliet Junior College and becoming an X-ray Technician through Silver Cross Hospital. Sylvia’s career was distinguished by her leadership as the Manager of the X-ray Department at Glenwood Medical Group, where she later expanded her expertise with a certification in mammography. She ultimately returned to Silver Cross Hospital to work in the Mammography Department and supported several local doctors with her skills and dedication. Known for her incredible work ethic, she instilled the same mindset in her children.
Sylvia is survived by her devoted children, Thomas (Denise) Bell, Michelle (Bob) Mallon, and Nicole (Max) Ziesmer; her treasured grandchildren, Ryan and Rachel Bell, and Luke and Emerson Ziesmer; her sister Ann (Jack) Bates; her in-laws Phyllis (the late Bob) Popek, Janice Bell, Patty (Pete) Calabrese, and Tim (Ann) Bell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas J. Bell; her parents, Ralph and Mary DiMonte; her in-laws, Thomas and Angela Bell; her sister Vera (the late Ralph) Ciccotelli; her sister-in-law Alice (the late Gerald) Scheffler; and her nephews Kevin Calabrese and Dr. John Bates.
Sylvia found joy in life’s simple pleasures—spending time with her family and friends, cheering on her grandchildren at their activities, soaking up the sun, and sharing her culinary talents. She was a cherished confidant and mentor to friends, offering wise advice and unwavering support. She saw the absolute best in everyone and was the consummate peace keeper. An active member of the Joliet Park District gym and a devoted parishioner, Sylvia’s faith was central to her life. She always kept a prayer list close at hand.
Above all, Sylvia expressed her love through food. She was a phenomenal cook whose recipes, like her signature sauce, apple slices, pizzelle, and Texas sheet cake, became cherished family traditions. Her kitchen was a sanctuary where she brought people together, nourishing both body and soul.
A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, December 20th, from 3 – 8 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black (at Essington) Rd., Joliet. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following morning, Saturday, December 21st, at Holy Family Church, 600 Brook Forrest Ave (Rt. 59), Shorewood, at 10 a.m. Private interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
