Dianne Carole Bell

Dianne was born in Cheyanne, WY, on November 18, 1943, to William H. and Ronnie (Camfield) Walters. After her father’s deployment to France during WWII, she returned with her mother to the Philadelphia area in Upper Darby, where they resided with her grandparents.

Dianne attended Radnor High School, Conestoga High School, and Highland Park High School in New Brunswick, NJ, moving each year as her father was transferred for work. Throughout her high school years, she was an avid dancer and performed in several choral groups. Dianne loved to read and was an excellent student. She returned to Radnor for her senior year, graduating in 1961.

After high school, Dianne briefly worked as a secretary and was accepted as a stewardess. But when she met the love of her life, Daniel A. Bell, Jr., a young NROTC candidate and Villanova University student enrolled in the School of Business, she decided against a career in the skies.

Dianne Walters and Lt. Daniel Bell were married on Villanova’s campus at St. Thomas of Villanova Church on January 2, 1965. They left immediately for Atlantic Beach, FL, where Dan was stationed with the USS Roosevelt. After Dan’s service was complete, they returned to Wayne, PA, and in 1966, they welcomed their daughter Kristin.

After a serious illness that lasted almost a decade, Diane rebounded and returned to school to complete her college education as she had always hoped to do. She attended West Chester State College, now West Chester University, and studied psychology. She loved going to school and being a student once again. In 1983, Dianne graduated Suma Cum Laude. She secured a full scholarship to Bryn Mawr College and completed her master’s in social work in 1986. She loved her time at Bryn Mawr and the tangible clinical experience she gained. She strongly believed that there should be no barriers to education for anyone. Dianne then embarked on a career in private practice psychotherapy that would span nearly 40 years. During her time as a psychotherapist, Dianne helped countless individuals and families. She loved working, and it was the cornerstone of her life.

Dan was by her side in sickness and health; together, they enjoyed many adventures, parties, and milestones. Many of their good times and celebrations were spent with dear friends from their Villanova years. They formed great friendships playing doubles tennis at Chester Valley Country Club.

Dan and Dianne designed their contemporary-styled home, exercising their shared passion for home design. Later, as weekend residents in Ocean City, NJ, they enjoyed their waterfront shore house, riding bikes on the boardwalk and exploring and fishing the waterways in their boat.

Dianne was an avid dog lover, and her family was enriched by several wonderful dogs: Chanel, Ginger, Chloe, Daphne, Windsor, and Teddy. Dianne loved to travel throughout the US and Europe, but Maui, Hawaii, was her favorite place on Earth. She and Dan made many trips to Hawaii, where they explored the islands and perfected their snorkeling.

Dianne lost Dan suddenly in 2001. She leaned into her career, maintained her practice, and traveled regularly to NJ to visit Kristin, Jon, Zach, and JD. She also took care of her parents and volunteered for the local Democratic party. When she was diagnosed with cancer in 2019, she regretfully retired from her career to focus on her health.

Dianne was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dan, and her parents, Ronnie and Bill Walters. She is survived by her daughter Kristin, son-in-law Jon, grandsons Zachary and JD, sister-in-law Marilyn Bell, brother David Walters, and her beloved mini poodle, Teddy.

We will gather to remember Dianne on Friday, June 7th, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at Philadelphia Memorial Park, Frazer, PA.

To celebrate Dianne’s joy for education and her hope that it be affordable and accessible for all, gifts in her memory will support the Social Work program at West Chester University. You can give online at https://go.wcufoundation.org/donate/tribute or mail to the WCU Foundation In memory of Dianne Bell, 202 Carter Drive, West Chester, PA 19382.