Furnia Bellas' Obituary
Furnia Lillian Reep Bellas (03/20/1922 - 01/31/2019)
Furnia was born on a farm in rural northern Minnesota. She passed away in her home in Pinellas Park, Florida, surrounded by loving family and friends.
Furnia was the youngest of 3 children born to Ed and Lillian Reep. She moved with her sister, Dorothy, to Chicago after graduating high school, which is where she met the love of her life, John Bellas. They met at an airplane-manufacturing factory in early 1944, during World War II. Furnia worked as a ("Rosie") riveter and John was a supervisor in the next department. They married on November 4, 1944, and then had their traditional "Big Fat Greek Wedding" on April 15, 1945. They were blessed with 4 children: Donna Elynne (Poucher), Patricia Ann (Scholtz), Jonathan Edward, and Kathleen Angela (Newsome).
After the war, John worked for Motorola and did TV repairs to supplement the family income. Furnia dedicated herself to child rearing, homemaking, crafting, and church ministries.
In 1969, John and Furnia purchased a Dunkin' Donuts Franchise. Furnia supported John in numerous ways, from bookkeeping to personnel managing, to help make the business successful. In 1983, John and Furnia also purchased a Baskin-Robbins Franchise, which she managed until 1992. To escape the stressors of business, they began to travel. After they sold both businesses and retired, they traveled extensively throughout the world with family and friends.
John and Furnia were long-time members of Elim Evangelical Free Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. They practiced their faith and raised their children to love the Lord Jesus Christ and to respect God's Creation. Furnia's favorite ministries always involved children. She loved babies and spent many years in the church nursery caring for infants and toddlers. As her own children grew, she became active with the Campfire Girls ministry. She worked tirelessly on teaching the girls the Bible and did numerous crafts with them.
In 2008, John and Furnia moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. They attended Liberty Baptist Church.
Furnia was a doting grandparent and great-grandparent. She spent many happy moments celebrating special occasions, traveling with her children and grandchildren, and providing childcare when needed. She was a revered matriarch, always reaching out to encourage family and friends throughout her life's journey. Her family and her faith were central to her life and she will be missed by all who knew her.
Her funeral service will be held on Monday, February 18th, at Liberty Baptist Church: 9401 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida. An interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Suncoast Hospice would be appreciated. https://suncoasthospice.org/donate
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