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 graduate, class of 1959, 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 and attended and completed Browne Secretarial School, and then held various jobs in the area.
In the late 80s she moved back home to Andes, which would remain her residency until her passing. She served as an Andes Central School 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 the 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, 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/nephews William Elwood Jr., Daniel (Linda) Elwood, Cheryl (Steve) McCue, Lisa Elwood, and lots of cousins, and many, many friends. She will be forever in our hearts.
Calling hours will be held at Hall & Peet Funeral Home, 134 Main Street, Delhi, on Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 2 - 5 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 27 from 6 - 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 375 Main Street, Andes.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of MaryBelle to the American Cancer Society (www.donate3.cancer.org) or the COPD Foundation (www.copdfoundation.org).
Visit www.hallandpeet.com to share a condolence with MaryBelle’s family.
