LEWISTON - Flo Bell, 86, of Lewiston, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord early Friday morning, September 11, 2026, at Central Maine Medical Center, with her loving family by her side. Her life was rooted in faith, hard work, laughter and the simple joy of being together.
Flo was born in Lewiston on June 29, 1940, the daughter of the late Alfred and Yvonne Potvin. She was raised and educated in Lewiston and remained connected to her family, French heritage, faith and community.
In April 1958, Flo married Robblee Baker. Following his service in the United States Air Force, they moved to Michigan in 1960. Their son, Lance, was born in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, in 1965. Flo returned to Maine in 1970, and on Nov. 10, 1973, she married Reno J. Bell. Reno's son, Jody Bell, became part of their family, and Flo and Reno's daughter, Renee, was born in July 1974.
Flo and Reno made their homes in Sabattus, Auburn and Lewiston, building a life filled with music, dancing, Sunday drives and family traditions. Together, they shared a family that included Jody, Lance and Renee. Reno passed away in March 2017, and Flo carried his memory in the stories she told and the places they had shared.
Flo was a longtime member of St. Mary's Church in Lewiston. When St. Mary's closed, she continued her faith journey at Holy Family Church in Lewiston. Her faith remained an important part of her life throughout the years. Flo worked for Arrow Hart in Lewiston and later for Tambrands in Auburn, where she spent more than 20 years before retiring. She was hardworking, resourceful and determined to make sure her children never felt they went without.
To those who knew her, she was simply "Flo." Flo was strong-willed, generous, funny, devoted and full of life. When she entered a room, there was more energy, more conversation and usually more food. She loved her sisters and cousins, especially the times they spent together at camp, shopping, dining at Gippers in Auburn and sharing stories. When they spoke French, their lively conversation sounded like an argument to outsiders, but to the family it was music - the sound of women who loved one another fiercely.
Flo also treasured Sunday drives with Reno and the children through Maine and New Hampshire. Sometimes they had a destination; often, they simply enjoyed the road. Those ordinary Sundays became treasured family memories. She and Reno loved dancing at Jacques Cartier and other social clubs throughout Lewiston. Give Flo good music, a dance floor and Reno beside her, and she was happy.
Christmas was another favorite time of year. She welcomed her sisters, cousins and family into her home, where no one was expected to leave hungry. Flo believed food was love, and she gave both generously. Her family remembers meals made in the pressure cooker, her popovers and, most famously, her coleslaw. No one else’s could ever quite compare.
Flo had a gift for making something meaningful out of whatever she had. She made a home wherever she was, created traditions from ordinary days and made people feel cared for through her food, humor, advice, teasing and constant concern.
She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, and a keeper of family stories and traditions. Her influence lives on in the generations who came after her.
Flo is survived by her son, Lance Baker and his wife, Vickie, and their children: Katie Fisher and her husband, Steve; Tyler Baker and his wife, Lillian; Olivia Ouellette and her husband, Kolbey; Angelica Baker; Garrett Labbe; and Megan Labbe.
She is also survived by her daughter, Renee Brezovsky and her husband, Scott, and their children, Tristan Brezovsky and Arlo Brezovsky. She is also survived by Jody Bell's children, Nick Bell and his wife, Charlene, and Katie Bell.
She leaves behind six beloved great-grandchildren: Blake Fisher, Luke Baker, Charlie Fisher, Joey Ouellette, Beau Fisher and Ella Baker. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Levasseur, and her sister-in-law, Rita Potvin.
Flo was predeceased by her beloved husband, Reno J. Bell; Reno's son, Jody Bell, who was an important part of their family; her parents, Alfred and Yvonne Potvin; her brothers, Normand Potvin and Lionel Potvin; her sisters, Jeannine Cloutier and Lorraine Gagnon; her sister-in-law, Florence Potvin, and brother-in-law Marcel Gagnon.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of D'Youville Pavilion, 4 West, for the care and compassion they gave Flo during her years there, as well as to those who cared for her during her final days. In her final moments, Flo was surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. They reminded her that she was loved, that she did not need to be afraid, and that it was okay to go home. Early Friday morning, with her family beside her, Flo peacefully left this life to be with the Lord. Her family finds comfort in believing that Reno and Jody were waiting for her, with her sisters Jeannine and Lorraine anxiously waiting to welcome Flo home. We can almost hear that reunion now - the laughter, the stories, and the loud French being spoken in Heaven once again. What may have sounded like an argument to everyone else was always the beautiful sound of sisters who loved one another fiercely.
They imagine music playing again, Reno reaching for her hand, and the two of them dancing together once more, while the voices and laughter of family fill the room around them.
Her family was her greatest legacy. She will be remembered for her laughter, strength, Sunday drives, dancing, French conversations, cooking and the unmistakable way she loved.
There will be a visitation on Friday September 18th from 4-6PM with a service to follow at 6PM at Funeral Alternatives on 25 Tampa St Lewiston, ME.
"Do not be afraid, for I am with you." - Isaiah 41:10