Hella Michael was born Christmas Eve, 1922 to Michael and Stella Sterris in West New York, New Jersey. She was the third of five children.

Growing up, Hella regularly attended Greek School to learn language and culture. She was very proud of her heritage.

She married the love of her life, John Bortugno, after he returned from serving in World War II. Together they raised four children: Frank, Eddie, Mary, and Johnny.

From Connecticut, they moved to Alhambra, California in 1948. Over the years she worked on and off as a buyer for electronics companies.

After retirement, John and Hella built a beautiful home in Fallbrook, California where they grew delicious avocados, tangerines, kumquats, peaches, apricots, and more. From there, they briefly moved to Coarsegold before settling in Lompoc.

Hella was known for her absolutely wonderful cooking and baking, blending traditional Italian and Greek dishes. Her food always brought the family together. Her cheesecake was life changing.

Hella had seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

John passed away four and a half years ago. They were married 65 wonderful years.

The visitation will be Thursday, January 22, from noon to 1 pm, with the funeral service starting at 1 pm in the chapel of the Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. Cremation will be followed by burial in the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery on Friday, January 23, at 10 am.