Barbara Marie Gelles

Barbara Marie Gelles, a lifelong and deeply devoted resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, at the age of 75.

Born and raised in Johnstown, Barbara witnessed the city’s greatest triumphs, its hardest struggles, and its most heartbreaking tragedies—including surviving the devastating flood of 1977. Through it all, she never once considered leaving. It was the place she cherished.

Barbara attended school in East Conemaugh and built a career as a skilled shoemaker and seamstress, spending many years at the Cay Artley dress factory, where she helped create beautiful garments that brought joy to others.

A faithful Orthodox Christian, Barbara observed the holidays and traditions of her faith with quiet devotion and gratitude but was respectful of the beliefs of everyone around her.

She found simple, everyday happiness in the things she enjoyed most: sewing and crafting, bingo, crossword puzzles, cooking delicious meals for her family, sharing the day's gossip with friends, enjoying her favorite evening television shows, and taking part in local events like Thunder in the Valley.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, George and Irene Gelles (Havrilesko), her sister, Donna, and her dearest friend Patty Oleksa.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Jamie; her adored granddaughter, Catherine; and a wide circle of extended family and friends whose lives she touched with her resilience, and kindness.

Barbara’s spirit—strong, loyal, and full of quiet joy—will live on in the hearts of all who knew her and in the city, she loved so much. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.