Georgia Ann Bella

Apr 29, 1939 - Aug 20, 2026

Georgia Ann Bella, 87, died on August 20, 2026, in Mishawaka, Indiana.

Born on April 29, 1939 in Decatur Michigan. Georgia was educated at Our Lady of Hungry in South Bend and Washington High School in South Bend. She built a long career at Uniroyal in Mishawaka, where she worked from August 1959 until December 1989. She began in tennis shoes and finished her career in fuel cells. During her years at the plant, Georgia became the second female foreman and the first female general foreman, marking important milestones in the company’s history.

Georgia is survived by her daughter, Dawn Velleman of Mishawaka, and her son, Gene Minx and his wife, Janet, of Crossville, Tennessee. She is also survived by four grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Steven and Elizabeth Esther Bella of South Bend; her sister, Gloria Manuzak of Mendon, Michigan; and her brother, David Bella of Paw Paw, Michigan.

Outside of work, Georgia had many interests and talents. In high school, she twirled a fire-lit baton. She was an excellent seamstress who made Halloween costumes for her children each year, along with clothing for herself and her daughter. She also loved to crochet, creating afghans in earlier years and, more recently, delicate snowflake ornaments for Christmas trees, often using vintage crochet thread. She enjoyed antiques and collectibles, genealogy and researching family history, golfing, and spending time sitting in the sun on her deck. Among her memorable accomplishments was making a hole in one during her golfing days. Her grandchildren were the love of her life, and she was fiercely loyal to her children and grandchildren.

As was Georgia’s request, no services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to Ernestine M. Raclin House in Mishawaka or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Posted online on September 08, 2026, Published in South Bend Tribune

09/11/2026 EJS