Marian Aileen Bell, 72, of Clinton, died May 23, 2003, of heart failure.

She was born April 29, 1931, in San Diego, Calif., to Nina Loretta Anderson and Clarence Barney Hileman.

She graduated from Point Loma High School in 1949, and dedicated her high school years to service to a U.S.O. She married a decorated World War II veteran.

She served 18 years with the federal court system in Reno, Nev., and retired in 2002 to Whidbey Island. She enjoyed feeding the squirrels, scolding the blue jays and tending to her garden.

According to her family, she was a devoted wife and a caring friend. She leaves an empty place in the hearts of all who knew her, and as a last act of kindness she offered the gift of sight to a stranger.

She is survived by two sons, James Bell of Gardnerville, Nev., and Ron Bell of Clinton; a daughter, Sharon Fretschel of Mount Vernon; and seven grandchildren.

Her ashes will be joined with her husband’s in a private ceremony on the shores of Puget Sound.