Geraldine Frances Bell

On October 15, 2021, the world lost a brilliant educator, mother, and friend. Dr. Geraldine (Geri) Frances McDonough Bell of Phoenix, Arizona lost her fight with dementia after battling this cruel disease for many years. She passed away peacefully at home under the loving care of her daughter, Bridget Anne Bell, and son-in-law, Russell Allen Gill. She is survived by her grandsons, Spencer Gary Bell and Alexander James Gill, her sister, Eileen Prewett, and several loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Geri was born August 7, 1945 in Pittsburg, California just outside of San Francisco to James Joseph and Clara Anna McDonough of St. Louis, Missouri. Her parents and two sisters, Eileen and Kathleen, moved to Phoenix, Arizona in the 1950s. She attended Montebello Elementary and West High then matriculated at Arizona State University. She married the love of her life, Gary Lee Bell, on October 24, 1970 and had the honor of being the first wedding to take place in the newly built Camelback Bible Church. Gary and Geri completed their family by adopting their daughter, Bridget Anne, in 1978.

After the death of her husband in 1987, Geri went back to ASU and successfully achieved her dream of getting her Masters of Elementary Education and Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Dr. Bell first became a bilingual educator teaching science at Phoenix Preparatory Academy, then began teaching Spanish at South Mountain High School and Camelback High School. She also engaged with adult learners at Phoenix College helping them to acquire and better grasp the English language. Geri was known for creating avenues for student recognition such as the implementation of a new chapter of the National Junior Honor Society at Phoenix Prep Academy to celebrate the academic achievements of her underserved student population. It was clearly evident that Dr. Bell’s love for her school community ran deep. She touched the lives of countless students, parents, and peers alike. Her selfless devotion to her craft was inspirational as was her commitment to the success of her students.

Geri also loved the finer things in life. She enjoyed theater at ASU’s Gammage and concerts at Symphony Hall. Her excursions to Ireland, New York City, and Mexico were filled with cultural experiences and the attainment of new knowledge both historic and genealogical. Learning as much as she could about her ancestors and their journey from Ireland to America was a passion of hers. Geri also hunted for treasures throughout antique stores everywhere she went. She doted on her grandsons and always took them to In-N-Out for burgers and shakes, Paradise Valley Mall for carousel rides, and to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park for picnics. Whether she was curled up on the couch with a good book or writing away in one of her several journals, Geri was ultimately at her happiest when engaging her mind. She adored crossword puzzles and shared that love with her daughter. Boggle was the game of choice for Family Game Night, with Bridget winning much of the time due to having such a wordsmith as a mother. Geri was also overjoyed as another dream of hers was realized in 2015 when Bridget graduated with honors from ASU and beamed with pride watching her give the closing address at Convocation. To her, family was truly one of the finest things.

Just as their spirits have finally been reunited, Geri’s remains will be inurned with her husband, Gary, at Greenwood Memory Lawn & Cemetery. At this time, there is no scheduled service, however, the family will be holding a Celebration of Life at a later date. Other than family, Dr. Bell valued education above all else, therefore, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the college fund of her grandsons so that they may follow in her footsteps and achieve their dreams of attaining their degrees. Any additional gifts will be used for funeral and memorial expenses. The family thanks you for your support during this time of grief but also believe Geri’s passing was a blessing. She is now finally at peace and with her soul mate. May we all fly on eagles’ wings as she did.