Bella D. Chernyak 1927-2020

Determined, brave and generous, Dr. Bella Chernyak was an extraordinary woman. Bella will be remembered for her loud laughter and unbreakable spirit. She survived a war, lived through communism, anti-Semitism, and left her country of origin at the age of 66 years to start all over. She was a strong-willed person who had a fierce tenacity, a sharp wit and a great sense of humor. Bella loved to entertain and to cook for her family. She was obsessed with her grandchildren and their happiness and success in America. Most of all, she taught her family what it means to have courage.

Bella was born Nov. 22, 1927, in Kopatkevichi, Belarus, to Yitzhak David Garavoy and Sonya Garavaya. She was a dedicated and very hardworking student her whole life. In 1955, she graduated from the prestigious St. Petersburg Medical Institute and began her lifelong career as a family doctor and a beloved endocrinologist. Bella was the oldest of three sisters, whom she inspired and encouraged to also pursue a profession in medicine. Bella loved her career deeply and built a large community of friends and colleagues whom she loved to entertain in her home.

Bella was married to Vill Samuilavich Chernyak in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1949. Vill passed away Oct. 25, 2009, just months after the two celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Vill was a WWII veteran and a decorated Navy officer. Bella and Vill met and lived in St. Petersburg until they immigrated to Youngstown in 1991, with the generous support of the Burdman and Friedkin families. She was very grateful to her cousins and the entire Jewish community that helped give her grandchildren the opportunity to live, work and contribute to society in a free country. Bella and Vill loved to travel, read, garden and to sing songs together.

Bella is survived by her two sisters, Esfir Malina, who lives in Los Angeles, and Galya Fizitskaya, who lives in Israel. She leaves behind a loving son, Vladimir, his wife Svetlana, and their two children, Dan and Masha Chernyak. Bella had three happy and healthy great grandchildren — Molly, William and Roux — who brought her the greatest pride and joy.

Bella was deeply admired. Her love and laughter live on.

A small family funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27. All are welcome to celebrate Bella’s extraordinary life from afar.

Arrangements are being handled by Shriver-Allison-Courtley-Weller-King Funeral Home. Friends and family may view this obituary and share memories and their condolences at www.shriverallisoncourtleyfuneralhome.com.

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