Manchester-by-the-Sea - Cynthia was born in Lynn, MA on March 23, 1936. She was the daughter of the late Henry Preston and Myrtle Corey Whitney of Beverly. She grew up and graduated from Beverly High School in 1954. She was lovingly called Ma Bell by many friends and family.

Cynthia and her husband raised five wonderful children, Lynne Ann, Charles Gordon, David Preston, William Sargent, and Richard Eric Bell. She also leaves son-in-law Patrick Albert Hannah and daughters-in-law, Sandra (Cloutman) Bell and Colleen (Wood) Bell and cherished five grandchildren, Ryan Patrick Hannah; Whitney Elizabeth; James Randall , his wife, Laurie Rezza Bell; Grace Beverly; and Henry Koda Bell. Cynthia also leaves three adored great-grandchildren, Phoenix Scott Hannah; James Randall Bell, Jr.; and Audrey Bell.

Cynthia's greatest passion has been her love and pride of her family and their many accomplishments.

Ma Bell spent some of her time enjoying bowling at the Beverly Bowl-O'Mat. She was a member of the Manchester Historical Society, the Seaside Garden Club, and was a lifetime member of the American Legion Amaral Bailey Post 113 Auxiliary. Cynthia was an historian, creating scrapbooks displaying veterans' and Auxiliary's events, past and present. She also served on the executive board. Cynthia was often seen on Memorial Day selling poppies. She looked forward to helping host luncheons, suppers, and picnics for veterans. Cynthia was especially proud to be nominated as her Auxiliary's Unit 113, Member of the Year for 2018.

Besides raising a very busy and active household of children she worked for many years as bookkeeper at the Beverly National Bank. Ma Bell also worked as a nutritional provider at the Manchester Junior Senior High School, Brown's Fruit and Grocery, and Castaways Consignment Shoppe in Manchester. Cynthia was also an administrative assistant for a local real estate office.

Ma Bell loved playing her Clavinova piano, dinners with her Lincoln Ladies, needlepointing, newspaper puzzles, lunch with friends, painting rocks, reading (especially Patterson, Roberts, Sparks, Hilderbrand, and Steel), collecting beach blue glass and gardening; mostly having a good laugh.

She was often heard telling friends and family to, "Carry on", whenever departing.

Cynthia was an amazing role model who will be remembered fondly. She also enjoyed spending time with her friend Jack, with whom she spent many happy times with at White Beach.

She was a longtime member of the First Parish Church Congregational on the Village Green in Manchester-by-the-Sea.

Hugs and, "Carry on".

In accordance with Cynthia's wishes, her graveside service will be private. Visiting hours at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Tuesday, July 14th, from 4 to 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Contributions may be made in Cynthia's memory to: the First Parish Church Congregational, Manchester-by-the-Sea; the Wounded Warrior Project; Shriners Children's Hospital; or Hospice of the North Shore. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.