Bella Theresa Blancato, 90 of North Beach, MD passed away October 19, 2021 at home surrounded by her family following a brief illness. Bella was born August 31, 1931 in Bronx, NY to Charles and Nancy Mazzaro Mazza.

On March 13, 1948 she married her best friend and love of her life, Louis Blancato, in Bronx, NY. The two of them would spend the next 68 years together, living in the Bronx until 1953 when they moved to Maryland where Lou joined the Metropolitan Police Department. Prior to relocating to North Beach from Huntingtown after Louis passed away on June 6, 2016, they resided in New Carrollton for many years. Bella retired from the Prince George's County School System where she enjoyed working in the cafeteria at Parkdale High School.

Having a green thumb, Bella was an avid gardener. She also enjoyed playing bingo, card games with her neighbors, sewing, handcrafts, and travelling with Lou. One of her biggest joys in addition to her family, was cooking for her family and friends, hosting family every holiday and opening their home to all for Christmas Eve feasts and friendship for many years. No one ever left the Blancato home hungry! This joy of cooking lead to her brief stardom when she appeared on the television show "Evening Magazine" making fresh pasta and conversing with the hosts as she confidently prepared Italian dishes.

Bella is survived by her five children; Richard (Linda) of Capon Bridge, WV, Julianna Ellett (Gerald Broome) of North Beach, MD, Nancy Koch of Crofton, MD, Louis (Cathy) of Huntingtown, MD, and Charles (Susan) of Keedysville, MD; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Huff, Barry Muffley, Nichole Opkins, Melissa Green, Wayne Koch, Stephanie Blancato, Carley Blancato, Ashley Blancato; ten great-grandchildren; sister; Gloria DiRenzo of Wappingers Falls, NY as well as several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Louis; grandson, Richard "Pete" Blancato; brother, Vincent; sisters; Antoinette Moffa and Shirley Guglielmo.

Relatives and friends are invited to Lee Funeral Home Calvert, 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, MD 20736 on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 from 10 am until start of Funeral Services at 12 pm. Interment will follow in Southern Memorial Gardens, 10155 Ward Road, Dunkirk MD 20754.