Cara Lee Bellman

Born in Cook County on January 12, 1978, Cara grew up in Cicero, Illinois. After graduating from Morton West High School in 1996, she pursued a career in accounting. In 2003, she followed her adventurous spirit to Colorado alongside her sister, Amy. It was there she met the love of her life, Michael “Mikey” Bellman, through mutual friends. They were married on a beautiful, sun-drenched Saturday, September 6, 2008, in Thompsonville, Illinois. In 2017, they settled in Laporte to be closer to their work and family.

Cara’s life was defined by her deep passions. A lifelong animal lover, she held a special place in her heart for whales, traveling to the San Juan Islands to see them and visiting Ireland many times. She was a dedicated Chicago Blackhawks fan, and when she wasn't cheering on her team, she was almost certainly lost in a story. A voracious reader, Cara was rarely without a book in her ears.

Cara is survived by her devoted husband, Michael Bellman; her sister, Amy Stock and brother-in-law Nicholas Stock; her nephew, Charlie Stock; her mother-in-law, Pat “Sarge” Bellman; and sister-in-law, Laura Driver. She is also survived by her cousin Keith Bryk, who was like a brother to her; her aunts, Barb Bryk and Barbara Bryk; her uncle, John Bryk; and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Paula Boyle, in 1999.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, with details to be announced here.

Instead of flowers or other gifts, we think Cara would appreciate donations in her memory to The Whale Museum, at whalemuseum.org.