Remembering Beatrice ‘Bea’ Bell, pioneering Broncos cheerleader, political activist and friend to many

Beatrice Theresa Bell passed away on July 16, 2026, at her home in Boulder. She had been battling Stage 4 breast cancer, congestive heart failure and wasting syndrome for more than two years. She would ask those who knew her to celebrate her life, not her passing.

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She was the daughter of Thomas B. Bell Sr. and Beatrice Theresa Jones and arrived in Denver on March 4, 1954. She was known as “Theresa” to her close family and throughout her school years. Once she left home, she was known as Bea.

A graduate of Denver’s St. Joseph’s High School in 1972, she was a Denver Broncos cheerleader for two seasons, 1972–73 and 1973–74. She was one of the team’s first Black cheerleaders. She then attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling and received her associate degree in 1974.

She had many great stories about working as a telephone operator for Mountain Bell in Denver for almost 20 years. Her jobs following the “Bell breakup” were always occupations that involved working with people, and she enjoyed assisting everyone she could.

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After moving to Boulder, she became politically active and was a recognized figure at Democratic meetings and discussions. She became a protester and participated in many marches in Denver for a wide range of causes, making many new friends.

Beatrice leaves behind three siblings: Virginia “Cissie” Peterson of Seaside, California; and Christina “Tina” Bell and Thomas “Tom” Bell Jr., both of Aurora. She was preceded in death by her parents and her younger sister, Angela “Angie” Bell.

No memorial service is planned. Bea asked that anyone who felt the need to give something donate to a local humane society, wildlife rehabilitation center, food bank or Democratic committee.

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