Bella Maria Morales

In 1972, Bella migrated from the town of Baranquilla, Colombia to Queens, New York, seeking new opportunities and a better life for her daughter and unborn son. Bella arrived in the United States with hopes and dreams that would shape her future.

Over the years, Bella supported her family working at Vanity Fair Electronics, Cella’s Confectionary and as a Home Health Aide. In later years, she became primary caregiver to her daughter, Marjorie Platon, her mother, Cristina Lucila Vellalta and her granddaughter, Cheryl Maria Lorenzo.

Bella is survived by her loving son, Daniel Burbano and his wife, Carmel (Joseph) Burbano; her daughter, Majorie Platon; her grandchildren, Aaron Burbano and Cheryl Maria Lorenzo; her brother Franciso Ignacio Espinoza and his wife, Aidee; their daughters, Jenny Deras (daughter, Joelle Garcia), Cristina Michelle Espinoza-Arroyo (husband, Juan Daniel Arroyo and children Elisa Lopez, Eric Lopez and Giovanni Arroyo), Jessica (Espinoza) South (husband, Matthew South, and daughter, Josie South) and Stephany Espinoza (partner, Sebastian Lopez); her brother, Jorge Gustavo Espinoza and his wife, Rocio; their daughters Michelle Espinoza-Black (husband, Jack, and children, Noah and Lucas Black), Melissa (Espinoza) Rizvi (husband, Asim and son, Kian) and Son, George Espinoza (wife, Carla Ginamarie and daughters, Hazel and Avery Ann Espinoza); her sister, Mercedes Espinoza-Biktijorn (husband, Kenneth; children, Adin (wife, Pagel), Havier (wife, Deidre), Natasha and Karina and her sister, Consuelo Cortez.

Those close to Bella knew her as no-nonsense but compassionate; reserved but outgoing, loving and generous. Bella also loved to laugh and had a wonderful sense of humor. Her greatest joy was her family and at the end of the day, Bella gave all she had to make sure that they were cared for, safe and loved – to her, family was her greatest treasure. Bella will be deeply missed by all her knew her.

Bella passed away on April 29, 2025, at the Riverside Premier Rehabilitation and Healing Center. Thank you to all who visited, called and prayed for Bella during her illness and a special thanks to Francisco Ignacio, Aidee, Cristina Michelle, Jessica, Stephany, and Cheryl for selflessly attending to her side till the very end.

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Conway Funeral Home, 41-45 58th street, Woodside, NY 11377. A memorial service will take place on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church, 104-11 37th ave., Corona, NY 11368, followed by a private cremation.

A visitation for Bella will be held Monday, May 12, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Conway Funeral Home, 41-45 58th Street, Woodside, NY 11377. A mass of christian burial will occur Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church, 104-11 37th Ave, New York, NY 11368.