MACHIAS – Grace Edna Bell Riopell passed away peacefully Sept. 20, 2010, at Marshall Healthcare Facility, Machias. She was born July 18, 1908, at the Bell farm in Edmunds. She was the last surviving child of Elmer and Addie Bell. She graduated from Lubec High School in 1926. She trained to become a nurse at Newark City Hospital, Newark, N.J., and earned her registered nurse license there in 1928. She was married to the late Henry J. Riopell of Springfield, Mass. Together they started and owned the Down East 5 & 10, Machias, for many years. In her long career as a nurse, Grace touched many lives in the Washington County area while working at Dr. Hanson’s hospital, Heighton’s Maternity Home and Down East Community Hospital. She was well known for her love of people, especially her babies. Her humor was legendary and she especially enjoyed a good game of bridge. She is survived by her daughter, Sandra and her husband, Gerald Edwards, of Machias; granddaughter, Sharon and her husband, Michael Worcester, of Jonesboro; granddaughter, Diane and her husband, Tom Grondin, of Kennebunkport; granddaughter, Lisa and husband, Paolo Gonzalez, of Albion; granddaughter, Heidi and her husband, Tim Reynolds, of East Machias; grandson, Bruce Riopell and his wife, Priscilla, of Crestwood, Ky.; great-grandchildren Jared, Cassandra and Caroline Worcester of Jonesboro, Bryce and Gabrielle Colbeth of East Machias and Ryan and Elizabeth Riopell of Crestwood, Ky.; and daughter-in-law, Ruth Riopell of Pittston. She was predeceased by her husband, Henry J. Riopell; son, Blair J. Riopell; nine brothers and sisters. A service of remembrance will be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to a charity of your choice.
GRACE EDNA BELL RIOPELL
