Daphne Code Bell, aged 86, died peacefully at her home on February 3, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.  She was born Daphne Vanine de Gombert on November 8, 1938 in Hollywood, California.  Her mother, Eleanor Rathborne de Gombert, was an artist who studied sculpture at the University of Southern California.  Her father, actor George Dee, performed in many Hollywood productions, including "Casablanca."

Daphne spent her elementary school years in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Culver City, California.  She attended Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles, California.  She went on to earn a degree in Art and Early Education from Mount Saint Mary's University in Los Angeles.  Daphne also attended the UCLA School of Design.  She taught first and second grade for ten years prior to moving to Lexington, Massachusetts with her young family.

Daphne's hobbies were sewing, quilting, and knitting.  She made her daughters' prom dresses and hand-beaded their wedding gowns.  Her family's homes are decorated with her lovely quilts and hangings.  She also knitted scarves for her many friends.  She was a wonderful cook who spent many years organizing and socializing with the Lexington Gourmet group.  Later, she and a friend formed the seniors' group Lexington at Home and was a member of the Buckman chapter.

She is predeceased by her first husband, Charles J. Code Jr., who died in 1980.  Daphne married Waltham deputy fire chief Donald Bell in 1983.  She and Donald enjoyed many sailing adventures in New England and the Caribbean, and they later explored the world by cruise ship.  Daphne and Donald entertained us all with tales of these adventures.

She was also an avid reader of novels and multiple daily newspapers.  In her later years, if Daphne wasn't reading or knitting, she could be found socializing with Donald and her many friends at Peet's Coffee in downtown Lexington.

Daphne is survived by her husband, Donald; her daughter Anne Code of Manchester, New Hampshire; her daughter Erin Code and son-in-law Wayne Schanck of Reading, Massachusetts; and her two much-loved grandchildren, Eli and Carl Schanck.  She is also survived by Donald's sons, John Bell of Averill Park, New York and Scott Bell of Opio, France; and his daughter Kristin Balian of Berlin, Massachusetts and their families.

Visitation hours will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Douglass Funeral Home located at 51 Worthen Road, Lexington, Massachusetts.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Daphne's memory to the charity of your choice.