Bella Afremov Obituary (1924 - 2021)

Bella Afremov, age 97 of Minnetonka, passed away on December 1, 2021. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Roman, and her parents, Mikhail and Nina Rubashkin. Bella is survived by her son, Michael, daughter-in-law Lorie, and grandchildren Samuel, Nina, Deanna and Joseph. Bella was born in Yalta in the former USSR. At an early age she and her family moved to Leningrad where she studied ballet at The Small Opera Theater. In her teen years, Bella survived the Siege of Leningrad, a prolonged military blockade during WWII (1941-1944). Bella received the "For the Defense of Leningrad" Soviet medal for her valor and hard work defending Leningrad as a civilian. Bella held a variety of jobs, which included her work as an executive secretary for Spartak, Leningrad’s famous professional basketball team. In 1983, Bella moved to the Twin Cities from the USSR with her husband and son. In the latter half of her life, Bella loved to travel, cook for her family, and spend time with her grandchildren. The funeral service is 1:30pm SUNDAY December 5th at TEMPLE ISRAEL, 2323 Fremont Ave. South Minneapolis. Masks are required. The funeral service will also be available via zoom. Email zoom3@hodroffepstein.com for the link. Memorials are preferred to the Afremov Family Foundation, ℅ MLA, 601 Carlson Pkwy. #1230, Minnetonka, MN 55305.