Gina Cecelia Costa (Belli)​
March 5, 1945 – June 26, 2025

Gina Cecelia Costa (Belli), devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and proud member of the Humboldt County community, passed away peacefully at home on June 26, 2025, with family by her side. She had recently celebrated her 80th birthday.

Born in Scotia, Gina was raised in Loleta in an environment filled with family and faith. Gina held special pride that her father had immigrated from Italy and enjoyed times when they would learn together during her schooling. She graduated from St. Bernard’s High School in 1963. After high school, she moved to San Francisco where she completed her education at Empire Business College. Though she had known Dennis Costa since they were young adults growing up in Loleta, their relationship blossomed into a lifelong love, and they were married in 1967 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.

Together, Gina and Dennis built a very full life, raising their family and building three homes—first in Fortuna and later their final remodeled home in Eureka. One of their Fortuna homes was featured on the local garden tour, a reflection of Gina’s love for gardening and her natural eye for design. Their Eureka home was also recognized with a “Garden Jewels of Eureka” award, given by the Eureka Sequoia Garden Club, a testament to the pride and joy Gina poured into every space she created. Gina was known for her confidence, warmth, and boundless hospitality. She had an open-door policy for her family and children’s friends, always ready with a meal, a place to stay, or a listening ear.

Gina loved being surrounded by her family and one of her greatest joys was supporting her children and grandchildren in all their endeavors. Over the years, she faithfully attended countless sporting events, performances, and school activities. She loved playing games with her kids and grandkids, painting birdhouses and rocks, and working puzzles. Creating memories filled with laughter and connection was very important to her. Her kitchen was the gathering spot of the home as she was always making something delicious, whether it was a regular dinner or preparing for a holiday celebration.

Gina’s passion for cooking reached a wider audience during the nine years her daughter Steph and son-in-law Scott Phelps owned Babe’s Pizza & Pasta. Each week, Gina and Steph cooked together preparing homemade pasta sauce, lasagna, and manicotti—dishes that quickly became local favorites. What began as cherished family recipes soon turned into a community staple, and Gina never tired of hearing how much people loved it.

Professionally, Gina discovered a lifelong passion for finance and bookkeeping, starting with her very first job as a teenager at the Bank of Loleta. While her children were growing up, she worked as a Legal Secretary, Bookkeeper, and Office Manager. Despite their busy careers, she and Dennis always seemed to have a business venture on the side as well. Over time, Gina built a successful bookkeeping business that she ran for 28 years, serving a diverse range ofclients and forming many friendships along the way. She stayed busy working, right up until her illness. Throughout her life, Gina also gave generously of her time. She served on numerous boards over the years including Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Studio 299 in Willow Creek, and the Sacred Heart Finance Committee, to name just a few.

Gina’s happy place was at their second home in Willow Creek, where she loved soaking up the sun while floating in the pool and spending time with family and friends in the community she cherished for over 35 years. She enjoyed entertaining, attending local events, and simply kicking back and relaxing. Back in Eureka, Gina stayed active by meeting up with her weekly coffee group and taking regular walks several times a week with her wonderful neighbor ladies. She always came home smiling, eager to share the great conversations and laughs that they had.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Dennis Costa; her children Paul (Tammy) of Rocklin, Mark (Felicia) of Eureka, Alan (Jaime) of Vista, and Stephanie (Scott) Phelps of Eureka; her grandchildren Alexa, Nathan, Morgan, Tawnya, Emily, Kate, Nico, Claire, and Caitlin; and great-granddaughter Violet. She was preceded in death by her parents, Domenico and Edith Belli.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, July 12 at 1 p.m. at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Eureka. There will be a reception to follow in the Parish Hall behind St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humboldt Arts Council, Dream Quest in Willow Creek, Sacred Heart Building Fund, or a charity of your choice.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Humboldt and to Rhonda Taylor for their empathy and support. We are also forever grateful to the many friends and family members who offered meals, cards, flowers, and their time during this difficult period.

Gina’s life was defined by her strength, generosity, and love. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

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