Leonora Lucy Bellis

Born March 4, 1936 –August 24, 2025

Leonora “Lee” Lucy Bellis, beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend was born on March 4, 1936 in the Bronx, New York. She often remarked that she was born on the only day of the year that was a command: March forth. Lee was the daughter of Concetta and John Vacca and older sister of John Vacca Jr., with whom she shared a lifelong bond.

The family moved to Burbank, California where Lee attended Burbank High School. Through the Catholic Church’s youth group, she met her husband, Robert Bellis, while they were being recognized for their leadership as “Man and Woman of the Year”. Lee and Bob were married November 8, 1958 and spent over 65 years in the home Bob built for them in Burbank.

Together, they raised three daughters—Lorraine, Linda, and Laura. While Lee was devoted to her family, she was also deeply engaged in her parish and community. She served as president of the School Guild, founded the first Brownie Troop at St. Finbar, and chaired numerous events, including the parish’s annual fiesta and its 50th anniversary celebration. Lee and Bob also established St. Finbar’s first school library—Bob building the shelves, and Lee donating and carefully cataloging the books.

Her natural gift for leadership extended well beyond the parish. She served as lead usher at the 7:30 a.m. Mass, was president of her local Zonta chapter, chaired her neighborhood polling place, and was elected president of her TOPS chapter more times than she could count.

Lee was a thoughtful hostess who delighted in opening her home to friends, family, and neighbors. She was the magic maker of every holiday, especially her favorite - Christmas. Beginning as early as October, she lovingly transformed every inch of her home with carefully curated decor. Her tables were always beautifully set, and she served spreads of homemade food that rivaled any banquet. Those who had no place to go were always welcome around her table.

She and Bob shared a love of travel and had the opportunity to enjoy cruises and explore dozens of countries until it became too difficult to continue. Yet despite the amazing places they had been, Lee’s favorite retreat was always a quiet spot with a good book, in a forest, near the sound of a stream or creek. After Bob’s passing, she found peace and contentment in reading - her lifelong hobby - and poured herself into her family and the company of her friends.

Lee cherished her role as grandmother to Victoria, Vanessa, and Kevin, and later as great-grandmother to Eric, Emma, Ryan, Lucy, and Eloise. She was so devoted to her grandchildren that they dubbed her house “Even better than Disneyland”.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Concetta Vacca, and by her husband, Robert Bellis. She is survived by her brother John Vacca Jr. (Linda), her children Lorraine Mark (David), Linda Byrnes (Rick), and Laura Radleigh; her grandchildren Victoria Radleigh Smith (Andrew), Vanessa Schul (Gunner), and Kevin Mark (Cynthia); and her great-grandchildren Eric Montez, Emma Schul, Ryan Schul, Lucy Schul, and Eloise Mark. She was a beloved Nonnie to Matt Vacca (Kim) and Amanda LaValle (Mike).

Services:

Visitation will be held Friday, September 5, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at The Valley Funeral Home in Burbank, California.

A Funeral Mass will take place Saturday, September 6, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Robert Bellarmine Church in Burbank, followed by interment at San Fernando Mission Cemetery.