Mary Jane was born August 11, 1837 in Scottsburg, Livingston Co, MI, and died September 10, 1909 in Wright twp, Hillsdale, Hillsdale Co, MI. She is the daughter of James Edward Fitzgerald and Mary Reddy.

She was always mindful of other's wants instead of her own; always ready to serve. She shared with her husband the pleasures and hardships of an intererant life, rendering what help she could. Her death leaves a vacancy in the house that only Jesus can fill.

She died trusting in Jesus, Friday evening, September l0th, l909 at l0 o'clock. Gone to her reward. Those are her husband, Rev. Ira W. Bell. Her two daughters, Mrs. Ida I. Hursh and Mrs. Edna R. Matthewson, their husbands and their children, several neices, two brothers and their families, one sister in law, and a large number of acquaintences. She was aged 72 years, one month. They do not mourn as they have no hope. The funeral services were held at the M.E. church at Lickley's Corners on Tuesday, September l4th at half past l0 A.M.. Rev. John E. Courter of Pittsford preached the sermon; Text Mark l4-8. Rev. M.J.Sweet of Hudson added a few remarks. Prayer by Rev. O.C. Bedford. Approrpriate singing was by Rev. Badder and wife and Mrs. Bedford and son of Waldron. The remains were laid to rest by the side of her parents in the Burt Cemetery. One by one we are passing away."

In 1906, Ira and Mary (Fitzgerald) Bell celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the home of their oldest daughter. Gloria Mitchell points out that Ira and Mary's anniversary was always celebrated along with the Annual Fitzgerald Family Reunion, and it is possible they may have first met at one of these reunions, or at a family gathering, since Ira's step-father was William Fitzgerald, uncle to Mary.