Arbella C. “Bella” Staniszewski, age 94, resident of Lakota, ND, formerly of Michigan, ND, died Sunday, January 17, 2010 at the Lakota Good Samaritan Center.

Arbella Cecilia Gregoire was born September 13, 1915 at Grand Forks, ND, the daughter of Joseph and Bernadette (Collette) Gregoire. She was raised and attended school at Merrifield, ND. Bella married Edwin “Stan” Staniszewski on April 6, 1942. They farmed together near Merrifield until 1960 when they moved to Michigan, ND. Bella raised her children and was a homemaker until Edwin's death in 1971. She then worked as a cook's helper at the Michigan Public School for many years. She loved flowers, and also enjoyed reading, gardening, puzzles, and card games with neighbors and friends. She embroidered many dish towels and blankets. She never was one to complain and always had a smile on her face. She moved to the Good Samaritan Center in December of 2002.

Bella will be missed by her 4 children, JoAnn Hjelseth of Michigan, John Staniszewski of Grand Forks, ND, Donald (Vicki) Staniszewski and Dale Staniszewski, both of Michigan; 4 grandchildren, Lance Hjelseth, Scott Hjelseth, Rita Hjelseth, and Michelle (Bernie) Linstad; 6 great grandchildren, Michael Burkhardsmeier, Christian & Nichole Clapham, Samantha Hjelseth, Abbey & Ryan Linstad; 1 brother, Roy Gregoire of Grand Forks; and 1 sister-in-law, Agnes Staniszewski.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; 2 brothers, Almond & Walter Gregoire; and her son-in-law, Harley Hjelseth.

The Funeral Mass for Arbella will be held at St. Lawrence O'Toole Catholic Church of Michigan, ND, on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be the Rev. Fr. John Aerts. Music will be provided by the St. Lawrence O'Toole Church Choir. Interment will be in the spring at the Michigan Cemetery. The pallbearers will be Bella's grandchildren. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Tuesday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary & Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the Church on Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.