Gretchen Bell

It is with a heavy heart that the family of Gretchen Ann (Gerlicher) Bell announce her passing on September 28, 2021.  She is survived by her sister, Maggie McElroy and husband, Tem, of Shreveport; daughters, Rhonda Bell and husband, Rick Brown, and Cheryl LoCicero of Edmonton Alberta, Canada; grandson, Ty LoCicero of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; nephew, Ian McElroy and wife, Karen of Shreveport; and niece, Lauren Browning and husband, John, of San Antonio, TX. 

Gretchen was born August 7, 1935, in Baton Rouge, LA, eldest daughter of Robert and Catherine Gerlicher.  She graduated from University Laboratory High School (U High) and kept many life-long school friends.  At college, she trained as a professional buyer and started her career in retail. She met and married Ronald Bell, from Toronto, Canada. They moved to Toronto and Gretchen spent 35 years there raising children, working many jobs from pre-school teacher to full-time retail with the Hudson’s Bay Company.  She returned to the south (she was NOT fond of winter!) to be closer to her sister and parents.

Above all, Gretchen’s loyalty and love for family, friends, and her faith in God truly stands out.  She was a supportive and dedicated mother, doting and proud grandmother, caring cousin, feisty and funny aunt, thoughtful friend, engaging host, and active church parishioner at St. Mark’s Cathedral.

Gretchen was a well-known supporter of the Shreveport Symphony, Shreveport Little Theatre, and Shreveport Opera.  She always loved classical music and named her beloved cats after famous performers.  Listening to music brought her joy until the end of her life.

As an entrepreneur, she had her own business, worked in local retail shops, and mentored other through the American Business Women’s Association.  She received accolades from ABWA for her tireless support.

Gretchen will be cherished for her sense of fun and adventure.  She loved summer camps and travelling with her family.  She made trips to the Arctic Circle, the Yukon, the Oregon coast, and cruised on the Mediterranean, the Rhine, and most recently on a paddleboat down the Mississippi.  Gretchen’s adventurous spirit followed her into many areas, including her kitchen where she was a creative and resourceful cook!

The Oaks of Louisiana was Gretchen’s home for the last 10 years.  Her outgoing nature brought her in touch with the entire community.  We will fondly remember her spirit, smile and involvement in group activities.  Gretchen and her family are deeply grateful to her personal caregivers, Rowena Amerson and Karen Eychener. Gretchen received outstanding care from the expert staff at The Oaks (Esther, Kim, Janet, Rose, Michaelynn, and others), Elite Health Solutions (particularly Katrina), Regions Hospice, and many others who went the extra mile to keep her safe and enrich her life.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s Cathedral, 908 Rutherford Street, Shreveport, on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., with clergy from St. Mark’s officiating.  Gretchen was interred at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona, MN, with her parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to St. Mark’s Cathedral, Donate Here , the Shreveport Symphony, Donate Here, or SickKids Hospital Foundation, Donate Here.