Issavella Mastromichalis Obituary

Issavella Mastromichalis (Bella), 89, died Saturday, August 7th, at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Bella was born July 22, 1927 in St. John, New Brunswick Canada. She and her 4 siblings were raised by her Greek immigrant father George Panagioatki. After losing her mother Stamatia, at a young age, she helped raise her siblings. She was witness to the Hindenburgs flight before its crash. She loved the Greek culture and cooking Sunday meals for all to enjoy. She owned and managed The Georgetonian restaurant together with her husband James for 56 years. She survived lung cancer and became an advocate for its cure. Her interests were reading, her garden and family. In 2005 she became matriarch of the Mastromichalis family. Bella is a member of the St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Myrtle Beach. The family asks that any donations be made to the church.

Bella is survived by her brother Michael, her sister Mary, her sons Michael (Nina), George (Shirley), 5 grandchildren and 5 1/2 great grandchildren.

Georgetown itself seemed to pay homage to Bella on Aug 7 after her passing, taking out all electricity and leaving only the thoughtful darkness as God called Bella home.

A Georgetonian for over 50 years, Bella left this world in the same way she lived in it, surrounded by her family.

Family and friends of Bella Mastromichalis will be gathering on Friday morning, August 12th, at 10AM at Mayer Funeral Home to show their love and admiration. Interment will follow in Pennyroyal Memorial Gardens.