Isabelle Nelson

Isabelle "Belle" Marie Nelson was a strong woman with a strong faith. She was a dedicated mother, wife, and friend, seeing that her loved ones never went without. To those who had the blessing of knowing her, Belle was a warm and kind hearted woman in every way. Belle's story began in October of 1913, as the leaves began to fall in Manistee, Michigan. James Maternowski and Marianna Oleniczak were delighted at the birth of their daughter Isabelle, who arrived on the 31st, Halloween that year. James dug graves, and Marianna stayed at home with the children. Belle was one of many children in the family, among her siblings Sally, John, Chester, Regina, Dominic, Clara, Leonard, Mollie, Marion & Sara. Belle was one of the older children, so she helped take care of her younger siblings. The family had a strong Polish heritage, and they lived in a Polish neighborhood called Oakhill. Being very close to her sisters as they grew up, the Maternowski girls were a force to be reckoned with. Belle and her sisters would walk to the store to buy 20 pound bags of flour so they could make undergarments. It was at a young age that Belle learned to care for others, which would stick with her for her entire life. She had a strength in her that allowed her to stand up for others, making sure everyone around her was happy and well taken care of. Belle was not just a care taker, but also a hard worker. She got a job at a very young age, and was a bright young girl with the drive to complete any task in front of her. Belle met a young man from Manistee, Michigan named Richard Nelson. They quickly fell in love and were married on July 23, 1935 It wasn't long before the couple began a family of their own, and they were blessed with three wonderful children: Richard, Kay & Craig. As a mother, Belle was incredibly dependable. She could be a little pushy when it came to her childrens wishes. Kay wanted to start school when she was 4 but the school said no. Belle went up to fight for her daughter and that next year Kay started school. When Craig was little he needed surgery on his ears, but the insurance company said they would not cover it. Belle fought with them too, and Craig was able to have the surgery. There was no distance Belle would not travel to see that her children had what they needed and what made them happy. She was an outstanding mother. Belle and her husband stayed close with the siblings, and they always went to the cottage in Manistee with their families. A talented seamstress, she made beautiful prom dresses for Kay. Belle always worked nights once the kids were in school, but they still had a hot meal every night, and she was a wonderful cook. Belle was a caretaker at heart, and just about everybody in her family lived with her at one time or another. There was never any question that Belle was a woman you could rely on to be there for you. Belle was so excited when the family grew to have grandchildren, great grand children and great great grandchildren. She was a very proud grandmother, and loved to see the family growing. She was affectionately called "Busia" by the children, who will remember her as a fun-loving grandmother.She would take the grandchildren up to the cottage in Manistee and spend time with them playing cards, letting them play dress up in the prom dresses she had made for her daughter, teaching them how to cook and bake. Belle loved the holidays, and all the family time making wonderful memories, like getting the kids excited for Santa to come on Christmas Eve. Each moment was truly a blessing to Belle. She lived life in the knowledge that family was her passion, her foundation, and her calling. After Belle and Richard retired, they enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, Hawaii, and Florida. No matter where Belle went she was always running into somebody she knew, because she had such a kind heart and a friendly attitude people would remember her. After 53 years of marriage, Belle lost her beloved Richard when he passed away. She also mourned the deaths of many of her siblings throughout the years. Despite these hardships, Belle always found solace in her family. Belle was an awesome person, who loved to entertain and be with her family no matter what. She had been a long time member of Sacred Heart Catholic church and more recently became a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Belle had a strong faith, which perhaps is why she had such good luck at lottery tickets and bingo. Isabelle "Belle" Marie Nelson went to meet her Lord and join her husband on Wednesday, June 1, 2011. She will be so deeply missed. Surviving are her son, Richard J. (Marianna) Nelson Jr., and children, Nanci (Jerry) Taylor, Jon (Lisa) Nelson, Kristen (Terry) Snider, and Richard J. Nelson III; daughter, Kay (Robert) Buckmaster, and children, Laure (James) Veitenheimer, Lisa (Michael) Wolski, Scott (Maria) Herrala, Tarek Buckmaster, and Jeff (DiDi) Buckmaster; son, Craig (Nancy) Nelson and daughter, Katie Nelson; 20 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard; parents; and 12 siblings. A service will be held to celebrate Isabelle's life Monday, June 6, 2011, 11:00 AM at Prince of Peace Catholic Church with Fr. Anthony Pelak officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, 2:00-5:00 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon and Monday 1 hour prior to the service at the church. MEMORIAL: In lieu of flowers, please consider giving in Belle's honor to Christian Care Nursing Center Building Fund, 1275 Kenneth, Muskegon MI 49442. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.