By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Bertha Bell, the founder of New Life Women’s Center and Thrift Store in LaPlace, died unexpectedly Thursday at River Parishes Hospital.

According to her daughter, Keeshler Pittman, Bell died from a heart attack. It was her third.

Bell began New Life over 20 years ago, and although the center always struggled financially, she always found a way to help give area battered women a chance at a new beginning.

Bell was herself a survivor of an abusive husband and suffered with the problems that so often accompany such a situation before she met Edward Bell. Mr. Bell, she said, always supported her in her personal mission.

Pittman said she and Bell hope to continue to operate the programs associated with New Life but said “significant financial support” from the community will be necessary to do so.

Contributions may be brought or mailed to 650 W. Fifth St., LaPlace, LA 70068. General donations can still be made at the thrift store.

Bell was a woman of great faith and always believed God would provide what was necessary.

“You just have to speak it,” was a personal mantra.

Pittman said her mother’s wish was to be cremated, and no memorial plans have been made yet.