Mrs. Belle Edralin Wood

Mrs. Belle Edralin Wood was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Belle will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Belle was born on January 17, 1940 in Cavite City, Philippines. She was the daughter of Zoilo A. Alfonso and Agrifina E. Alfonso. Belle was raised with eight siblings. She had three sisters, Estelita A. Santigo, Elvira A. Morgan and Cecilia A. Galindo, and five brothers, Dominador E. Alfonso, Armando E. Alfonso, George E. Alfonso and Alfredo E. Alfonso. Belle was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings and they shared many life experiences over the years. A typical teenager, Belle had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from Cavite High School in 1957. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers.

On May 23, 1978 Belle exchanged wedding vows with Roy J. Wood at the Elizabeth City Court House of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Empathic and loyal, Belle was committed to making her new family happy. Belle worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Belle was blessed with four children, two daughters, Teresa Lynn Barr and Karen Melody Otter, and two sons, Rolando Alfonso (Deceased) and Larry Ronald Starbird. Another blessing for Belle was the gift of seven grandchildren, Paul Michael Pursch, Marisa Belle Pursch Quiroga, Nicholas Ryan Alejo, Richard Lewis Starbird, Stephanie Mae Starbird, Veronica Dawn Alejo and Andrew Patrick Barr, and five great grandchildren, Madelyn Belle Quiroga, Ariana Malaya Belle Diaz, Caleb Ignacio Quiroga, Nicholas Sean Alejo and Greyson Daniel Pursch (Soon to arrive).

Fortunately, Belle enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Belle worked diligently and did her best to succeed as her family's Homemaker for fifty plus years. Belle was a Navy spouse for twenty plus years. She volunteered regularly at the La Jolla Veterans Administration. Belle spent time visiting patients and handed out books and magazines. The veterans appreciated her friendship and knew that she was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Belle enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were reading, bowling, travel, singing, camping, and worshiping the lord. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Belle was loved by her family for her many and varied accomplishments throughout her life. Belle's accomplishments included being a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, as well as a selfless friend to many. She is a mentor and the very glue that holds our family together.

Belle passed away on May 6, 2013 at Lemon Grove, California. Bell passed away due to natural causes. She is survived by her husband Roy J. Wood, her daughters Teresa L. Barr, Karen M. Otter, her son Larry R. Starbird, her sisters Estelita A. Santiago, Elvira A. Morgon and Cecilia A. Galindo, and her brothers Armando E. Alfonso and George E. Alfonso. Belle also leaves seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren to cherish her memory. Services were held at the Little Chapel of the Roses at Glen Abbey in Bonita, California at 10:00 AM. Belle was laid to rest in Miramar National Cemetery.

Simply stated, Belle was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Belle leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Mrs. Belle Edralin Wood.