Brenda Belt

Brenda Lee Belt, 63, of Ceresco, Michigan passed away suddenly on March 22, 2018 at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.  Brenda was born March 1, 1955 in Battle Creek.  She is the daughter of Robert and Patricia (Mapes) Brown whom survive.  Brenda graduated from Harper Creek High School in 1973 as a top student and served as class president.  After marrying Danny Belt in 1975 she spent much of her life as a homemaker.  Her passion was rooted in her family; however, she did enjoy a variety of special work experiences over the years:  working as a clerk at the House of Cards gift shop, assisting people at the end of life through Hospice, coordinating special events through Taylor Rental, helping customers at K Drive Greenhouse, and later in life, delighting shoppers with tasty samples at Meijer.  No matter the circumstance, Brenda’s tender heart for all people was easy to see.  She was always able to see the good in all people with limitless compassion.  These same qualities extended to animals, as well, including her two dearest canine companions, Pearly and Leah. Despite any challenges she might have faced she was always thinking of others, knowing better than anyone how to keep people and animals alike comfortable.  She was an imaginative soul that was at her best when her creative juices were flowing, taking on many forms through gardening, crocheting, sewing, scrapbooking, cooking and even the piano.  She was known for her spirited piano renditions of “Born Free” and “Exodus.”   Her home gardens were her masterpiece and she very much enjoyed sharing her harvests and flowers at the local farmer’s market.   Her unique and fearless sense of style was best understood and appreciated by those who knew her best.  Throughout her life many were drawn to her for her interesting conversation and down to earth nature.  She was fortunate to remain closely knit with all her family throughout life and was able to enjoy much quality time with her parents and siblings as an adult sharing in countless many family gatherings and events.  For most of her life’s journey she walked alongside her two sisters, whose unbreakable bond only grew stronger despite time and distance. All three would agree they brought each other a joy that went beyond sisterhood and friendship. Over the years she often attended yoga classes and theater performances with her oldest sister, Becky, and traveled to Maine for many unforgettable trips to visit her youngest sister, Leslie.   She will be dearly missed by all her family but most especially her husband for their good times together and the family they built; her children for her endless supply of nurturing, unconditional love and pride for them always, and; her granddaughters for her beautiful smile, warm hugs, and constant support and presence in their lives – their one and only ‘Mimi.’   Brenda is survived by her husband, Danny Belt, daughter and son; Jessica (Harlan) Goodrich of Charlotte, and, Geoffrey (Morgan) Belt of Battle Creek.  She is also survived by her beloved granddaughters Isabelle, Helena, and Violette Goodrich.  Brenda has two surviving siblings, sister Leslie (Lynn Shafer) Brown and brother Bryan (Wade Handrich) Brown along with many special family members, including sister-in-law Patricia Brown, brother-in-law Larry Porter, nephews Carlo Porter, Ben Porter, Richard Porter, Will Shafer, niece Elyse (Eric) Donahue, and grand-nephews Shawn and Dylan Donahue.  She was preceded in death by her sister, Rebecca Porter.  Visitation will be held Monday, March 26th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services with funeral services to celebrate Brenda’s life on Tuesday, March 27 ^th at 10:00 a.m.  Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary School where all three of her currently granddaughters attend.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org.