May 23, 2025
In Loving Memory of Gail Petersen Bell
Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and Community Leader
It is with broken hearts and profound sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Gail Petersen Bell on May 19, 2025 at the age of 74. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and a respected force in the South Shore community. Gail’s sudden departure has left an immeasurable void in the lives of those who knew and loved her, but her remarkable legacy of strength, compassion, and leadership will live on.
Following in the entrepreneurial footprints of Norma Kettells Telesco, her mother and founder of Home Center Realty, Gail was one of the most trusted and influential names in South Shore real estate. She took her mother’s company to new heights and was later recruited by Sotheby’s where she owned offices in both Hingham and Cohasset that she had for 30 years. 6 year’s ago she joined Compass where she was Senior Vice President and shaped the local market with unmatched insight, integrity, and dedication for 44 years. Clients and colleagues alike were drawn to Gail’s professionalism, strategic brilliance, and her unwavering commitment to service. She brought intelligence, warmth, and grace to every relationship.
Born in Frederick, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Norma Kettells Telesco and Peter Petersen. Raised in Cohasset and later raising her own family in Hingham, Gail possessed a lifelong, intimate knowledge and love of the South Shore—its people, its neighborhoods, and its spirit. Her career was not just a profession, but a calling to serve her community and uplift those within it. Gail graduated from Elmira College with a Bachelors of Arts in Communication and spent a year at the University of Glasgow. She worked for the EPA and a small environmental firm in the 70’s before returning to her roots and planting them firmly.
Gail is survived by her devoted husband, Stephen Bartlett Sr., and her beloved son, Christopher James (CJ) Bell, who was the light of her life and the embodiment of her values—integrity, resilience, and kindness. She was a proud and loving grandmother to CJ’s (Mariana) sons, Lucas and Brenden, whose lives she touched deeply and whose adventures brought her endless joy.
She is also survived by her brother, Gary E. Roelke and his wife, Patricia, and their two sons Brian (Blair) and Jason (Meridith). She was predeceased by her oldest brother, E. Wayne Roelke. Through a strong family connection, Gail was a loving sister-in-law to Wayne’s wife, Katherine, and their three daughters, Cheryl Finger (Joel), Jody Van Houten, and Karen McCloskey (Brian). She was also predeceased by her mother, Norma Kettells Telesco, and father, Peter Petersen. Gail was also predeceased by favored nephew, Samuel Van Houten.
As part of a large, blended family, Gail was a loving mother-in-law and a caring and supportive stepmother to CJ’s half-siblings: Douglas Bell, Janice Bell, Amy Bell, and Jeff Bell, and to Stephen’s children: Stephen Bartlett Jr., Kristen Bartlett, and Matthew Bartlett. Gail embraced each of them with love and generosity, and took great pride in the relationships they all shared. She also leaves behind cherished great nieces and nephews, extended family, and countless dear friends.
Family was the heart of Gail’s world. She believed in the importance of staying connected—across generations and branches of family—and worked tirelessly to nurture those bonds. Whether planning a gathering, sending a thoughtful note, or simply showing up with love and support, Gail made everyone feel seen and valued. Her presence was the thread that wove her family tightly together. Gail’s character was also shown through her love of nature and animals, especially dogs. Jessie, her Cavapoo, was never far behind and will live in her heart forever.
In addition to her family and professional achievements, Gail was a vibrant member of the South Shore community. She was a past president of the Plymouth County and South Shore Board of Realtors, and served on the advisory board for many years. She has been named a “Boston Power Player” by the Boston Globe and earned her spot among Boston Herald’s Top Ten Women in Greater Boston Real Estate. Gail became Tom Brokaw’s “Featured Realtor” on NBC and even won Best Educational Program for being the producer and host of the award winning and 20-year running cable show “The Home Center with Gail Bell”.
She was a longtime and active member of the Cohasset Golf Club, a past member of the Board of Governors of the Neighborhood Club of Quincy, a charter member of the South Shore Women’s Business Network, a former active member of Rotary International, and a supporter of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. Whether it was rowing in Hingham Harbor, yoga on Nantasket Beach or long walks in Worlds End that she loved so much, she wanted to do it all. She found solace while vacationing in Jamaica and Collins’ Cove on Cape Cod. She loved golfing, dancing, hiking, entertaining, driving to sports, cooking, board games, poker, reading, attending the theater, and spending time with those she held dear.
Though her passing was sudden and heartbreaking, Gail lived each day with purpose, joy, and generosity. Her spirit endures in the lives she shaped, the love she gave, and the example she set.
A wake will be held for the public on Friday, May 30th, from 4-7 at the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond St, Hingham, MA 02043. There will be a private burial service for the family on Saturday, May 31st. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Scituate Animal Shelter.
Gail Petersen Bell will be forever remembered, deeply missed, and always loved.
For more information and online guestbook go to www.downingchapel.com
Gail will be rembered as a deeply passionate woman who lit up any room with her beautiful smile, infectious laughter and irresistible warmth. She touched the lives of those around her, always offering kindness, empathy, and a listening ear. She had an an unmatched work ethic and an innate ability to understand others. She will be missed beyond words, but the love she gave and the lessons she taught will live on in all of us.