Norma Jean "Jeanie" Bellerive

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. She was surrounded by her loving family as she peacefully joined her husband in eternal rest.

Jeanie 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 3 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, 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 lunch time “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 was a co-founder of 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.

Jeanie is survived by her six children and their spouses: Chris Hunt (Lynn) of Rancho Mirage, CA; Jeanne Moeder (Andy) of Canyon, TX; Marty Bellerive (Grace) of Anchorage, AK; Suzie Lidstrom (Clint) of Garden City, KS; Karen Parker (Owen) of Collyer, KS; and Liette Ocker (Colin) of The Woodlands, TX. Her 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 3 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her siblings, Eugene Normandin, Alfred Normandin, Della Huhmann, and Donald Normandin; 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 provide comfort to all who mourn her passing.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 10AM 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, 6-8PM with a Vigil and Rosary Service at 7PM 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, or electronically by using the link: https://app.pdcflow.com/7883?transactionForm=CARD