Marita Bellaw

Marita Ann Bellaw, 85, of Traverse City, died suddenly November 28, 2019 at Munson Medical Center.

She was born on April 2, 1934 in Traverse City, the daughter of Frederick E. and Irene Amelia (Platte) Brakel. She graduated from St. Francis Catholic School and Northwestern Michigan College.

Marita met and fell in love with Robert Bellaw. They were married on January 21, 1956 at St. Francis Catholic Church. Along with raising their three children, she worked at Fochtman Motor Company as a bookkeeper, Interlochen Arts Academy as a switchboard operator, and Interlochen Public School, where she retired as Secretary to the Principal. Marita and Robert were long-time members of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Marita's greatest passion was loving her family. She enjoyed playing Scrabble and card games with many dear friends, gardening, traveling, baking, listening to music, taking walks, boating, fishing and having great family gatherings at the lake.

Marita is survived by her children; Carole Bull, Anne (Edward) Dechow and Michael (Julie) Bellaw; grandchildren, Kristina (Jesse) Baker, Nicholas (Caitlin) Bull, Allison (Vincent) Cooper, Whitney (Joel) Ravitz, Edward Dechow II, Krista Dechow, Eric Dechow, Rebecka Bellaw and 8 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; siblings, Norene Murphy, Raymond Brakel, Esther Hall, Lois Alpers, Alec Brakel, Erwin Brakel and son-in-law, Terrance Bull.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Patrick Catholic Church Food Pantry or the Father Fred Foundation.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11 am, Thursday, December 12, 2019 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Visitation will start at 10 am, and a luncheon will follow mass. Entombment will be in the Oakwood Diocesan Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum with her husband, Robert.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more. The family chose Life Story Funeral Home.