Services for Nuala Pell to be Held Monday

Friends, family and Rhode Island as a whole is remembering the life of Nuala O'Donnell Pell, 89, who died on Sunday in Newport after a life of public service and devotion to her family, the arts, education and women's health.

Mrs Pell was born in New York City on June 30, 1924 to Charles Oliver and Josephine Hartford O’Donnell. She attended Brearley School and Bennington College. Mrs. Pell was the beloved wife of the late United States Senator Claiborne Pell whom she married in 1944. She is survived by her brother Columbus O’Donnell of England, her son Christopher Pell and his wife, Janet of Newport RI and her daughter, Dallas Pell. She was the mother of the late, Herbert Pell and Julia Pell. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Tripler Pell, Nicholas Pell, Clay Pell, Christina Neal, and Eames Yates and her nine great-grand children; Elias, Marina and Atlas Hammoud, Oliver, Bertie and Nuala Randall, Zara Neal, Georgina and Henry Pell. 

Mrs. Pell was an extraordinary woman who dedicated her life to her husband, her children, and the citizens of Rhode Island. Her wit and generosity were obvious to all who knew her. She welcomed the opportunity to serve as a trustee of Roger Williams University, the University of Rhode Island, and Salve Regina University. She was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Rhode Island and Salve Regina University. 

Mrs. Pell had a great passion for the arts, education, and services for women’s health. She was a trustee for the John A. Hartford Foundation and the Roger Williams Hospital and Medical Centre. She served as a trustee of the Redwood Library and was an avid reader herself. She supported the arts throughout her lifetime, serving on the board of the Newport Music Festival; she was also a gifted pianist. Mrs. Pell was equally enthusiastic about fine arts, which led her to serve as a representative with the auction house of Christie, Manson, and Woods International. 

In 2013, Salve Regina University established the Nuala Pell Leadership Program in Public Service to enable students to participate in national leadership seminars, meet prominent policy makers, and to prepare future leaders in public service. 

In lieu of flowers, kindly send donations to the Potter League for Animals, where Mrs. Pell also served as a board member and was an ardent lover of animals. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday April 21rst, 2014 at Trinity Church in Newport, Rhode Island.