Carmella (Vanni) DeBell

Carmella (Vanni) DeBell, 89, of Sunset Lane in Jaffrey, died on Wednesday May 7, 2008 surrounded by her loved ones at the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Facility in Jaffrey following a period of failing health.
She was born on October 12, 1918 in Wilton, New Hampshire daughter of the late Romeo and Alaide Vanni.
Carmella attended Jaffrey schools and Graduated from Keene High School. She has been a lifelong resident of Jaffrey for over 87 years. She was a long time communicant of St. Patrick's Church.
Carmella married Elwin DeBell on November 9, 1940 who predeceased her on December 3, 1987. Carmella was also predeceased by her sister Lillian Collins who died in 2003, her brother Victor Vanni who died in 2003, her sister Helen who died in 1996 and her loving son-in law Charles Bridges who died in November 2007.
Carmella retired from Millipore at the age of 65. She was part owner of Jaffrey Woven Label Company that was built and founded by her late husband Elwin DeBell. Carmella also worked at the Hampshire Country School and Conant High School.
Carmella was an avid reader and enjoyed all types of literature. Carmella loved to cook and she had many large family meals at her home in Jaffrey. She cherished family trips and went to California, Maine, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Canada, Florida and Washington D.C. with her family. She enjoyed speaking weekly with her long-term childhood friend Margie Stewart of Jaffrey. She also enjoyed the telephone calls from her friend Mary Butler of Jaffrey where Mary would play the piano for her over the telephone.
Survivors include two daughters, Terriann Bridges of New Ipswich, NH and Carolyn DeBell and her life partner Penny Reed of Swanzey, NH, four grandsons: Robert Aho and his wife Joan of Townsend, MA, Lance Aho and his wife Jill of Chassell, Michigan, Caleb Aho and his wife Jen of Marlborough, NH, Jesse Aho and his wife Judy of Chassell, Michigan. 10 great grandchildren: Shayla Aho of New Ipswich, NH, Mariah, Jared and Joshua Aho and Jessica Allen, all of Marlborough, NH, Jethro, Tia, Mathias and Devyn Aho and Jesse Johnson, all of Michigan.  Her only and favored niece Judy Black and her husband Oscar of Keene, NH and 3 great nieces. She also leaves behind many cousins and close friends.
Carmella also leaves behind several long term "adopted family members", Robert Blair and his wife Paula Blair of Winchendon, MA, David Aho of North Carolina, Jody Aho of New Ipswich, NH, and Susan Godin of Berlin, NH.