Martha J Bell of North Hill Needham died on Sunday July 17, 2011 at the Skilled Nursing Facility at North Hill in Needham. She was 99 years old. Daughter of the late James and Elizabeth (Spear) Bell, she was one of 5 children...she had two sisters Phoebe and Elizabeth and two brothers William and Robert. She is survived by her sister Elizabeth of Needham and her niece Roberta Bell of Medway and lovingly remembered by Sue Porter of Medford and Jim Peterson of New York as well as numerous cousins, relatives, and friends in the New England area, Ireland, Scotland, Norway and Australia. Martha was born in Newton where she lived most of life before moving about 9 years ago to North Hill, Needham with her sister Elizabeth. They had a wonderful time staying active with all the social activities, trips, and celebrations as well as developing a whole new circle of friends. She worked for many years for New England Life Insurance. One of her greatest loves was being involved in Scottish dancing. She and her sister Elizabeth loved to dance, going to the Annual Highland Balls as well as spending summer days at Pinewoods with dancers coming from all over the US and other countries. She made a wonderful shortbread. Jeanetta McColl was a longtime friend who taught Scottish dance and always kept her up to date with current activities. Martha made so many wonderful friends in the years she was active. Another great enjoyment for her was gardening and flowers. She kept beautiful beds of iris and peonies and spent many evenings in the garden. She loved her tomato plants which she would start in little egg shells before planting them outdoors. The tomatoes would make their appearance in a salad that Elizabeth created. She also spent 25 years volunteering at Newton-Wellesley Hospital and was a member of the Republicans Club. A l ong time member of Grace Episcopal Church in Newton having started with her parents and remaining active with her sisters Phoebe and Elizabeth thru out the years. held a special place in her heart for the sense of purpose and community and life-long friendships it brought to her life. Many people have been in her life 20, 30, 50 years and beyond. I remember her telling about Dick Lind arriving on their doorstep as a young child to announce he would be their new neighbor. She has been friends with him ever since! A Memorial Service will be held in the Grace Episcopal Church, 76 Eldredge St, Newton Corner on Saturday August 6 at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers donations in Marthas name may be made to Grace Episcopal Church 6 Eldredge St Newton MA 02458, Springstep, 98 George P. Hassett Dr., Medford MA 02155 or to Pinewoods Camp INC, 80 Cornish Field Rd, Plymouth MA 02360. Martha will be missed by all who knew her.....in remembrance..please send donations to the following: Grace Episcopal Church, 76 Eldredge St, Newton Corner, Ma 02458, Springstep, 98 George P Hassett Dr., Medford, Ma 02155, Pinewoods Camp Inc., 80 Cornish Field Rd, Plymouth, Ma 02360.