Basilia Collura

Collura, Basilia (Bessie), nee Stella of Fort Lee, NJ died on August 10, 2003 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Wayne at the age of 95. Born in Jersey City, Bessie grew up there before moving to Glen Falls, NY where she spent much of her life with her husband Murray. The two moved to Fort Lee, NJ where Murray died in 1987 shortly after celebrating their 40th anniversary. Bessie was an accomplished dressmaker and worked in the fashion industry in New York City. As a young woman, Bessie studied opera and appeared at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Surviving are three sisters, Carmella Rose of Cliffside Park, NJ, Yolanda Garguila of Coopersburg, PA, and Gloria Licameli of Laurel Hollow, NY. and one brother Carl Stella of Wildwood, NJ. She was predeseased by her sister Teresa Goglucci and her brother Frank Stella. The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, August 13th at Madonna Church on the Hill at 10am with entombment to follow at Madonna Mausoleum. Friends will be received Tuesday 3-5 & 7-9pm.