Elsie W. Bellis

Elsie W. Bellis of York, PA passed away June 19, 2025 surrounded by family and supported by the caring staff of Normandie Ridge.

Born March 12, 1934 in Philadelphia, she was the oldest of five children of Harry W. and (Ida) Elsie (Cartwright) Barnes. Her very young parents were both hard-working and fun-loving. She spoke often of her childhood memories of roller skating, sledding, swimming and campfires in the park, as well as trips to the seashore and to a family MD farm. Her father, a fireman and chief, once rode Elsie down the station’s firepole on his back.

She brought her children up in several locations in New Jersey, Philadelphia and York, PA. For some years balancing work and child raising as a single mother, she always supported their varied interests in swimming, baseball, football, basketball, volleyball, ballet, music and theater, taking them to classes, practices, performances, or competitions. She was an accomplished seamstress and helped sew costumes for school performances.

For 38 years, she was married to the Rev. Thomas Bellis. They spent a number of years in southern York Co while he served as pastor of the Bethlehem-Steltz Church, then moved to West York for him to serve at Bethany UCC and later Paradise Holtzschwamm ECC. Elsie was a quietly supportive pastor’s wife and made music in church choir, bell choir and playing piano. Her true passion throughout her life was her family and keeping a beautiful home. She was excellent at wall-papering, and we think went a little overboard!

Upon Tom’s death, her dear friends were especially important. Eventually she moved to Normandie Ridge. Her family immensely appreciates the kindness of the staff there, especially the Memory Care staff, who showed her (and her children) their compassion and love.

Elsie is survived by her sisters, Carol O’Neill and Diane Barnes, children Barb, Steve, and Arlene Hoffman, and stepchildren Pat Bohn and Cheryl Bellis-Rollman, as well as by grandchildren, step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.

Donations in Elsie’s memory could be made to the Normandie Ridge Benevolent Fund, 1700 Normandie Dr, York PA 17408, or to the Paradise Holtzschwamm Evangelical Covenant Church, 6777 Lincoln Hwy, Thomasville, PA 17364.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Paradise Holtzschwamm ECC on Sunday, June 29th at 11:45, directly following their 10:30-11:30 church service.