Christina Lee Bell

Christina Lee Bell, 46, of Signal Hill, CA, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 29, 2025.

Born in Solana Beach, CA, Christina was the beloved daughter of Dr. Bill and Barbara Bell. Alongside her twin sister Elizabeth and older brother James, Christina built lasting memories with her parents in the San Diego area, across the country, and around the world-a family united by a shared love of travel, discovery, and enjoying the good things that life has to offer.

Christina continued to embrace life's richness with her beloved wife, Dr. Ann Reed. Married in 2008, Ann and Christina were known for their penchant for adventure, their generosity, and their love of animals. Their home became a haven for countless dogs, cats, fish and even a tortoise named Yertle in need of care. Christina's devotion to her animals was matched only by her unwavering loyalty to the San Diego Chargers, cheering passionately with Ann from the stands of both Qualcomm and SoFi Stadiums.

Brilliant and quick-witted, Christina was a master grammarian, a pun enthusiast, and always ready with a clever quip or a timely reference. She graduated from The Bishop's School in La Jolla in 1996, earned her BA in Psychology from Barnard College of Columbia University in 2003, and later (having achieved a perfect GRE score) completed her MA in Psychology at Pepperdine University in 2008. She also pursued doctoral coursework in Psychology at Loma Linda University.

Christina was a gifted dancer whose talent graced stages at Bishop's and later at Barnard. As an adult she continued to challenge herself physically as a CrossFit enthusiast and frequent Tough Mudder participant. She also became a skilled shotgun skeet shooter, demonstrating impressive marksmanship in competitions. Continually exploring new places and embracing new experiences like skydiving and aerial gymnastics, Christina lived with vibrant curiosity and courage.

Christina leaves behind her wife, Dr. Ann Reed; her parents, Dr. Bill and Barbara Bell of Encinitas, CA; her brother James Bell and his wife Nayiri of Weston, MA; her twin sister Elizabeth and her husband Travis Gilbert of Bend, OR; and six beloved nieces and nephews. She also leaves many loving uncles, aunts, cousins, and dear friends whose lives were brightened by her presence. She was preceded in death by her grandparents: James and Alma Lee Bell, and Gene and Elaine Cehan.

Though Christina's journey ended far too soon, her spirit will live on-in every moment of laughter, every act of love, and every bold adventure that reminds us to embrace life fully, as she always did.

A celebration of Christina's life will be held on Saturday, August 16 at 11:00 am at San Dieguito United Methodist Church in Encinitas, CA. Memorial contributions in Christina's honor may be made to Westminster Adoption Group (www.wagspetadoption.org).