Barbara Allen Bell

Barbara Allen Bell, lovingly called "Turtle Barb" because of her vast love for and knowledge of turtles and animals of all kinds, has died. She was a scientist, an artist, a singer, a gardener, an advocate for the disabled and unheard, intensely feeling and engaged with the world, and I know losing her in this world will ripple across many communities. A kind woman who loved all living things. Barbara was born May 7, 1972 in Alexandria, VA. She graduated from William and Mary University with a bachelor’s degree, and Drexel University with both master’s and PhD. Sea turtle research in Costa Rica was one of her favorite experiences and led to her master’s thesis titled “The fertility of female leatherback turtles at Playa Grande, Costa Rica.” She also studied the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on sea turtles’ populations in the Gulf of Mexico. Barbara, whose soprano voice was so lovely, sang in the College of William and Mary Choir with many friends. Favorite memories of the 1993 European choir tour included performing for Queen Elizabeth at Drapers Hall in London, singing at Westminster Abbey and Canterbury Cathedral, and in the gardens at Sissinghurst Castle designed by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson. She was also a member of Reveille and Double-Take, two beloved campus singing groups, and later sang with Anna Crusis Feminist Choir, the oldest feminist choir in the US, and SpiralSong Feminist Spirituality Vocal Ensemble in the Philadelphia area. Barbara loved animals, and had several herpetological pets, including a boa named Karma, geckos Paris, Hector, Helen, Briseis, Willow and Rory, and turtles she raised from eggs named Siddhartha and Boddhisatva. As her health challenges increased, she carefully calibrated how much effort she could provide and re-homed her darlings when she felt they would be better with a less-disabled caregiver. She knew how much pets and plants added to her quality of life but refused to sacrifice their quality of living. As an artist, Barbara explored many mediums, including beading, chainmaille, and watercolor painting. Her meticulous ink drawings of turtles were published in a textbook. She loved the fine detail and precision of bead weaving, and designed works that reflected her science and animal interests, including several turtle-themed necklaces and phoenix earrings. Barbara cared about how we interact with the world and each other. She wrote thoughtfully and well. Here’s an example of her style: I’m not a fan of “shoulds” or similar pushy judgements. If I can replace “should” with “could,” that typically means there’s judgment involved. And I’ve done a lot of work letting go of judgment. It has made me a softer person and a better friend. I value those things. But there are some “shoulds” I’m okay with. I don’t think people should try to hurt other people intentionally. I think we should be taking better care of the planet than we are. Barbara is a remembered and beloved friend to many in the chronic illness community. She surfaced and called out ableism in many media, writing passionately and honestly about ways our society seems to ignore and look away from the needs of people with energy, mobility, and cognitive limitations as if those overcoming those facts and challenges were somehow a matter of will or choice. She had compassion and kind words for fellow sufferers and worked to notice and center gratitude for small moments. Her exploration of Buddhism gave her comfort. Most recently, she was exploring definitions of neurodiversity, and the links among autism, ADHD, and human behavior, focus and distraction and creativity and meaning. She reached beyond the limits of “either/or” binaries to the improvisational inclusion of “Yes! And…” embracing multiple layers and facets of art and fine craft. Barbara is survived by her brother Adam and his wife Christy, her father James, and her mother Sally, and many who love her across the globe. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 12:00-3:00 PM on Saturday, January 25 at Pierce Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Barbara's honor to SeaTurtles.org at: https://tinyurl.com/TurtleBarb Please include the "I'd like to notify someone of this contribution" check, and notify James Bell at fotojames@aol.com

Barbara Allen Bell

May 7, 1972 - January 13, 2025