Laura Bell, 90

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 PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Laura S. Bell died on Nov. 20 at home in Providence. She was the beloved wife of the late M. David Bell.

In 1967, she became the first female graduate of the Computer Science department at Brown University.  Determined toward justice, she was instrumental in the protests that led to the desegregation of the Providence Public Schools in the early 1970s.  She taught English as a Second Language for many years in Providence and was still teaching ESL at International House in Providence as recently as February.  She was passionate about our natural environment and devoted to her cottage on an island in the St. Lawrence River.

She is survived by three sons, Joshua of Wakefield, Jonathan of Newport and Michael of Madison, Wisconsin, as well as seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Contributions in her memory may be made to International House of Rhode Island 7 Stimson Ave., Providence, RI 02906 (ihouseri.org/donate-1).

obituary, Laura Bell