Norma Jean "Jeanie" Bellerive
1932 - 2023
Norma Jean "Jeanie" Bellerive, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away on May 23, 2023, at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 91. She was surrounded by her loving family as she peacefully joined her husband in eternal rest.
She was born on March 1, 1932, in Bogue, Kansas, to Normand C. and Irene (Benoit) Normandin, where she spent her childhood and graduated from high school in 1950.
On May 28, 1951, she married Maynard Bellerive in their hometown of Damar. Together, they embarked on a beautiful journey filled with love and the joy of raising a family.
Jeanie was a devoted wife and mother, blessed with six children, 20 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren who were the center of her world. Her love extended far beyond her immediate family, as she generously served her community and church in every place she called home.
She was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and dedicated herself to the service of others through her involvement in the Ladies Guild.
Known for her funny wit, and warm and welcoming nature, Jeanie never met a stranger. She had a talent for bringing people together with kindness, food, a sense of belonging, and laughter… lots of laughter. Jeanie was famous for her crepes, and she often had friends and family stopping by around lunchtime “in case she was making crepes.” Her exceptional skill as a seamstress was another one of the many ways she shared her love and care with others. Her radiant personality and genuine love and kindness touched the lives of everyone she encountered.
In addition to her commitment to family and community, Jeanie co-founded the Helping Hands initiative in Thornton, Colorado. Her selfless efforts to assist those in need continue to make a lasting impact, and a variation of the initiative thrives to this day.
She is survived by her six children and their spouses: Chris Hunt (Lynn) of Rancho Mirage, Calif.; Jeanne Moeder (Andy) of Canyon, Texas; Marty Bellerive (Grace) of Anchorage, Alaska; Suzie Lidstrom (Clint) of Garden City; Karen Parker (Owen) of Collyer; and Liette Ocker (Colin) of The Woodlands, Texas; her siblings, Eugene Normandin, Alfred Normandin, Della Huhmann, and Donald Normandin; 20 grandchildren: Jonathan Ficcadenti, Brianna Ficcadenti, Conner Ficcadenti, Alex Hunt (Chris); Danielle Wells, Christopher Moeder, Anthony Moeder, Krysten Mroz, Jerry Moeder (Jeanne); Jonathan Bellerive, Daniel Bellerive (Marty); Jessica Morgan, Genevieve Eisiminger, Holden Eisiminger, Trevor Eisiminger, Emma Lidstrom, Ellie Lidstrom, Claire Lidstrom (Suzie); Ethan Ocker, Caleb Ocker (Liette); 25 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Maynard Bellerive; her parents, Normand and Irene Normandin; and her siblings, Louis Normandin, Melvin "Jerry" Normandin, Duane "Shorty" Normandin, and Mary Anne Myers.
Jeanie personified kindness with a big sense of humor, embracing life with joy and an unwavering positive spirit. She cherished her family, relatives, and friends above all else and found immense happiness in their presence. Her legacy of love and kindness lives on in the hearts of all those she touched. May the memories of Jeanie's love and warmth comfort all who mourn her passing.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 10 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Damar. Visitation will be on Friday from 6-8 p.m., with a Vigil and Rosary Service at 7 p.m. at the church.
The family expresses deep gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and condolences during this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rooks County Health Center and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St, Plainville, KS 67663.
