Jon and Metta Belisle. Photo: Jon Belisle
Metta Belisle lived her name. In Sanskrit, metta means loving-kindness—a philosophy she carried into every part of her life, from rescuing animals to planting flowers and trees.
A third grade teacher for nearly 30 years, Metta believed that how we treat animals and the Earth says everything about who we are. She and her husband, Jon Belisle, a retired research chemist, created a donor-advised fund through the St. Croix Valley Foundation to support their shared values.
Since her passing in 2024, Jon continues their legacy. “While her voice has been silenced, her kindness, compassionate care and environmental interests continue,” he says. Living on their farm with their companion animals greatly influenced their acts of giving. Metta didn’t seek recognition—only to plant seeds of compassion.
Jon encourages others to do the same. “You don’t need to be wealthy. You just need a story, a purpose and a heart for something bigger than yourself,” he says. Their purpose is best summed up by a favorite Alan Jackson lyric: “Might as well share, might as well smile. Life goes on for a little bitty while.”
Missy Austreng is a content creator with the St. Croix Valley Foundation. For more information, visit scvfoundation.org.
