Belle E. Navin

TRAVERSE CITY — Belle Elizabeth Navin, 88, passed on Saturday, July 25, 2009, at the Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City. She was born Nov. 29, 1920, in Clare, the daughter of the late Joseph and Philomene (Little) Murphy.

Belle lived her early life in Clare, where she graduated from high school. She attended school at St. Lawrence School of Nursing in Lansing and obtained her RN degree. Following training she enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943, where she served as a 2nd Lieutenant in London, England, until being discharged in 1946. Belle returned to Clare and began working for Dr. Hammberburg in his family practice.

In 1948, Belle moved to Traverse City and started working at Munson Medical Center as a nursery nurse. She received additional training at Cornell University in New York for the treatment of premature infants. Belle was instrumental in helping to develop the outstanding services Munson has in this area. She worked for 20 years at Munson, moved to the Detroit area in the late 1960s, and continued her nursing career at Cottage Hospital and St. Johns Hospital in the Grosse Pointe area, working with infants.

Belle married William John Navin in 1950, and they had three children who survive, Marley Ann Navin, John Joseph Navin and Peter Gerard Navin all of Traverse City; also surviving are her grandchildren, Carolyn Anne Hanson of Suttons Bay, Courtney Elizabeth Navin of Denver, Colo., Joshua Michael Navin of Traverse City, Nigel John Navin O'Connor of Grand Rapids; several nieces and nephews; close family members and friends.

Belle was preceded in death by her husband; and her brothers, Harold, Thomas and Joseph.

Belle enjoyed her nursing career and was very proud of serving during WWII. She was a very proud woman who embraced her Irish heritage. She loved good humor and cherished good stoves. In her retirement, she volunteered at St. Vincent DePaul, special companion programs and at Munson Medical Center. She enjoyed nature, growing plants, swimming and times shared with family and friends.

Belle would like to be remembered as a kind, caring, good humored Irish nurse who lived a very full life. The Irish Blessing was one of her favorite prayers. She had a very caring spirit and influenced many people on her path.

Cremation has taken place. Burial will be at St. Cecelia Catholic Cemetery in Clare. A friendship gathering to honor Belle's life and share memories will be held at a later date.

Belle's family would like to thank the various medical professionals that have helped her have such a fulfilled life. Her care over the past years at Bortz Nursing Home and The Pavilions has been outstanding. A heartfelt thank you to all.

Those wishing to contribute to a memorial in Belle's honor may send contributions to Grand Traverse Pavilions Swimming Scholarship Program or to the Birch Unit.

Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.