Claribel "Belle" Radcliffe
November 23, 1929 – July 18, 2021

Belle Radcliffe passed away in her daughter's home on July 18, 2021, in the presence of her family.

Belle was a very devoted wife, loving mother, beloved grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be dearly missed and remains in our hearts forever.
Born in Chicago, Belle was the daughter of the late James and Helen Hegarty. She attended Lindbloom High School and kept in touch with many in her class. She graduated from Chicago Teacher's College, which has since become Chicago State University. She received a master's degree from Governor's State University. In 1951, Belle married her grade school sweetheart, Richard Radcliffe. They shared a deep and abiding love for one another and were married until his sudden passing in 2002. Together, they cherished 49 years of a strong and loving marriage.

Belle worked as a teacher for 25 years for the Chicago Public School System at two schools-- the Mark Sheridan (currently Mark Sheridan Math and Science Academy) and the Fridtjof Nansen (now known as the Ronald H. Brown Community Academy).

Belle and Richard lived in the Mt. Greenwood area for 5 years and then moved to Olympia Fields where they lived near relatives for 21 years. In 1985, they built a home in Wheaton and were there for the remainder of their lives. Belle treasured her Wheaton home for the wonderful neighbors she had. She loved retirement and volunteered weekly at The Morton Arboretum, helping arrange flowers for the Administration Center as well as preparing welcome packets for visitors of the Arboretum she loved so much. She also volunteered as a weekly salesperson at Treasure House, a resale shop in Glen Ellyn. For many years she volunteered at the Washington School library in Wheaton, helping students check out books. She was also a member and President of the Roseland Women's Club. She was very fond of the women friends she made through the Wheaton Department Club and participated with them in weekly luncheons. She was a member of the WDC Board and for many years and oversaw the Globe Watchers.

Belle loved to travel, and she and Richard went to many places around the world, her favorite being the United Kingdom. After Richard's passing, she went on a trip to Copenhagen by herself.

Belle was active in her church from youth and believed deeply in demonstrating caring compassion in daily deeds. She was active in serving in a wide variety of positions in the church, including providing flower arrangements, which were appreciated by many in the congregation. She was a lifelong arborist and gardener who loved to protect and cultivate the beauty of nature in its most splendid forms.

More than any of her many varied interests, Belle loved spending time with her family, and we, in turn, loved her.

Belle is survived by her two daughters-- Becky (David) Bosak of Wheaton, IL; Ellen (Michael) Woods of Bloomington, IL.; four grandchildren-- Bonnie (Charles) Staudt of O'Fallon, MO.; Joe (Melissa) Woods of Somerville, MA.; Corinne (John) Lawrence of Bloomington, IL.; and Bradley (Sandy) Bosak of Creve Coeur, MO. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be made to CedarS Camps (19772 Sugar Drive Lebanon, MO 65536), the Morton Arboretum (4100 Il-53 Lisle, IL 60532), and First Church of Christ, Scientist, Glen Ellyn (600 N. Main Street Glen Ellyn, IL 60137).