ANDES - Our angel, MaryBelle Nohejl, has been called back to heaven to serve Our Lord. She passed peacefully on Feb. 20, 2020, with her family by her side at the age of 78.

She was born on Sept. 30,1941, in Central Islip, to Donald and Mary E. Elwood and was delivered by well-known Dr. Ralph G. Reed. MaryBelle lived in Shavertown with her family in her early childhood years and later they were all relocated to Andes, a town she always referred to as "home."

She was an Andes Central School class of 1959 graduate and excelled academically, as well as being head majorette and accomplished award winning NYSSMA choir soloist while attending. Upon graduation from Andes, she moved to Long Island, attended and completed Browne Secretarial School, and then held various jobs in the area.

In the late 80's she moved back home to Andes, which would remain her residency until her passing. She served as an Andes Central School District Board of Education member for 10 years, was an active member of the Pleasant Valley Community Club and a faithful parishioner of St. Ann's/ Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She coached youth soccer teams, volunteered at Andes Public Library and at numerous community events. MaryBelle loved to dance and listen to oldies music. She prided herself in genealogy and collected old family photos and stories that she loved to share with younger generations. Her photos, memorabilia and recollections have helped produce books and documentaries on the history of Shavertown.

Above all, her true loves were God, faith, and family and instilled in everyone that they all go together, hand in hand. She treated everyone she met with a genuine welcome of kindness and compassion. She never judged people or situations and would explain "until you have walked a mile in their shoes." She made herself available to anyone for conversation and guidance, was a great listener and giver of advice.

MaryBelle was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Don, children, MaryFrieda (Dennis) Bacon, Frederick (Dawn) Reed and Ralph Donald Gator (Katie) Reed; grandchildren, Frederick III (Andrea) Reed, Allen Reed, David (Natasha) Reed, Edward Reed, Eric Reed, Mitchell Reed, Adeline Reed, Elodie Reed, and Coralie Reed; great-grandchildren, Scott and Hazel Reed; brother, William Elwood; and nieces and nephews, William Elwood Jr., Daniel (Linda) Elwood, Cheryl (Steve) McCue, Lisa Elwood; lots of cousins; and many, many friends. She will be forever in our hearts.

Calling hours will be held from 2 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 26 and 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27, at Hall & Peet Funeral Home, 134 Main St. Delhi. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 28, at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 375 Main St., Andes.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of MaryBelle to the American Cancer Society, www.donate3.cancer.org, or the COPD Foundation, www.copdfoundation.org.

Share condolences with MaryBelle's family online at hallandpeet.com.