Jessica Dario Bello

Jessica Dario Bello, born January 9, 1940, in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on May 2, 2026, joining our Lord in eternal rest. She was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend, and a pillar of the Filipino community. As we celebrate Jessica’s remarkable life, we find comfort in the promise of eternal life in Jesus Christ.

Jessica was preceded in death by her husband, Candelario Bello; her son, Broderick Bello; her brothers, Marcelino Dario and Augusto Dario; and her sister, Yolanda Perey.

She is survived by her sisters, Inocencia Nuccio and Erlinda Dario; her children and their spouses, Bradford Bello and his wife Jovanna, Brian Bello and his wife Grace, and Brandi Ngo and her husband Danny; her daughter-in-law, Lan Bello; and her grandchildren, Brendan, Benjamin, Blaise, Lindsay, Alexander, Lily, Bruce, Harper, and Jacob. She also leaves behind a wide circle of extended family and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

A proud immigrant from the Philippines, Jessica and her newlywed husband, Candelario, came to the United States in 1966. She dedicated many years of service to the City of Norfolk’s Department of Social Services, where she supported foster children and families until her retirement in 2005. She also taught English as a Second Language (ESL) for the Virginia Beach school system. Together with her husband, she co-owned the Court of Mandarin restaurant, serving Filipino, Chinese, and American cuisine to the community for over 30 years.

At home, Jessica was a devoted and tireless mother, attending school events, soccer matches, basketball games, and dance recitals long before the term “soccer mom” existed. Despite her many responsibilities, she always made time for her passions. She enjoyed painting and glazing ceramics, knitting, and creating macramé pieces that still adorn her home today. From aerobics classes to her love of line dancing, she embraced an active lifestyle. She also cherished traveling, creating lasting memories with family and friends across the country and around the world.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Jessica was an active member of Church of the Ascension in Virginia Beach. She lived her faith through service, humility, and devotion, serving as a sponsor for Confirmations and marriages as a godparent (Ninang). Her faith was the foundation of her life and guided her commitment to both her family and her community.

Jessica’s impact on the Filipino community in the Hampton Roads region was profound. She was deeply involved in numerous organizations, including the United Ilocano Association of Tidewater (UIAT), the Filipino Women’s Club, the Council of United Filipino Organizations of Tidewater (CUFOT), AsianFest, and the Asian Pacific American Heritage Organization (APAHO), often serving in leadership roles. She was instrumental in the realization of the Philippine Cultural Center of Virginia, a lasting testament to her dedication to preserving and celebrating Filipino culture.

She taught traditional folk dances, organized countless cultural performances and pageants, and supported scholarship programs for students from kindergarten through high school. Through her volunteer work, she led donation drives and provided support to families in need. She also organized many group travel experiences for her peers. Her lifelong efforts helped bring Filipino culture, values, and traditions to the broader community in meaningful and lasting ways.

As we mourn her passing, we commend Jessica Bello to the mercy and love of God, confident that she now rests in the peace of Christ and the hope of the Resurrection. Her love, strength, and generosity will live on in all who knew her.

Services

Wake / Visitation

Wednesday, May 13 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Smith & Williams Funeral Home

4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462

The evening will include visitation, a prayer service, and a eulogy. Light fare will be served.

Funeral Mass

Thursday, May 14 | 11:00 AM

Church of the Ascension

4853 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462

The rosary will be recited at approximately 10:30 AM prior to Mass. A livestream will be available.

Reception

To follow the Funeral Mass at the Philippine Cultural Center

4857 Baxter Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462

Inurnment

June 14 | 2:00 PM

Church of the Ascension

4853 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462

An online link for services and livestream access will be shared when available.

Lodging

For those traveling from out of town, accommodations are available at Hyatt Place Virginia Beach Town Center:

https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/virginia/hyatt-place-virginia-beach-town-center/orfzt

Flowers and Donations

Flowers are welcome. Memorial donations may be made in Jessica Bello’s memory.

United Ilocano Association of Tidewater (UIAT) — supporting the student scholarship fund:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/in-memory-of-beloved-founder-and-president-jessica-daria-bello

Church of the Ascension — supporting parish ministries and community programs:

https://www.ascensionvb.org/giving

Novena Prayer (Virtual)

The novena in memory of Jessica Bello has begun and will be held daily through May 10, 2026 at 8:30 PM (ET) via Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/77500495485?pwd=60pzMDsy9uRg9aSX78HO95tkfQuBvA.1

Meeting ID: 775 0049 5485

Passcode: 558123

Dial-in options are available, including:

+1 301 715 8592 (Washington DC)

+1 646 558 8656 (New York)

+1 312 626 6799 (Chicago)

Additional dial-in numbers and calendar link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kbcuqqqmPt