Carol Porcelli Bell

Carol Porcelli Bell left us far too soon at the age of 72 on July 13, 2022. She was surrounded by her children, as her youngest daughter applied her signature red lipstick. Carol was born on June 21, 1950, to Frank Porcelli Sr. and Muriel Porcelli (née Oratowski) in Chicago, IL. As the middle of three children, and the only girl, Carol was fiercely independent and larger than life, a good-natured foil for her brothers Frank Jr. and Michael. But there was no one she loved and admired more than her father, who emboldened her to be herself. Growing up, she was always a free spirit, never adhering to anyone else's rules. She was an open-minded rebel who took on many causes, sticking up for others and inspiring everyone to break free from conformity. She endowed her three children, Joseph Janus, Sherry Edwards, and Crystal Bell with the same strength of character. She attended West Leyden High School in Northlake, IL, where she excelled in English, creative writing, and getting hairspray and makeup all over the family home's only bathroom. Following the birth of her son Joseph in 1969, she moved to California with her family. She loved the beach and the easy-going California lifestyle, but Carol was as gregarious and energetic as they come. Her daughter Sherry was born in 1974 during Labor Day weekend, disrupting a trip to Disneyland that her brother is still upset about. When she wasn't lying on the sand baking in baby oil and listening to the likes of The Smiths and Depeche Mode, she was taking in strays and misfits of all ages. Carol was a (fun, cool) mother to all. She never discriminated against anyone, and encouraged everyone to be their most colorful selves. Her youngest daughter Crystal was born in 1989. Shortly after, Carol moved back home to Illinois, finally ending up in Woodstock, where she would spend the last few decades of her life. A consummate night owl, Carol's creativity sparked after hours. It wasn't uncommon for her to decorate the entire home in Christmas lights, tinsel, and homemade ornaments the day after Thanksgiving and to keep them up until July. She loved the sparkle. Carol saw beauty in everything. An empty tuna can. Old t-shirts. Pieces of paper that she could cut up, fold, tape, and douse in glitter to her liking, turning nothing into something shimmery and one-of-a-kind. Carol enjoyed crafts and making things by hand. She never colored, stitched, or glittered within the lines. She never wanted to be perfect; she only strived to be herself. If you were lucky enough to follow her on Facebook then you knew she loved reposting memes of her three favorite things: cats, her Italian heritage, and being a staunch liberal who fought for the rights of disenfranchised people everywhere. She was our safe haven, and we couldn't have been luckier to know and to love her. Damn, she was good. She is survived by her children Joseph, Sherry, and Crystal; her youngest brother Michael; her grandchildren Jay and Ren; and her beloved cat Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, we, her children, ask that you wear something red and/or sparkly to celebrate her life with us.