Belle L. Nason, 98

CENTER SANDWICH — Belle Laura Nason, 98, formerly of Portsmouth, passed away peacefully on Feb. 10, 2026, at the Dover Center for Health and Rehabilitation in Dover.

Belle was born on Oct. 25, 1927, in Malden, Massachusetts, to the late Samuel Schwartz and Rose (née Wiseman) Schwartz. She was raised in Portsmouth, a place she loved and called home for her entire life.

Belle had a strong, independent spirit and was never shy about speaking her mind. She had a lively sense of humor, often saying whatever she was thinking, no matter what others' thoughts might be — a quality her family will miss and always laugh about.

She loved the outdoors and was always on the move, wandering wherever she happened to be. Belle spent a great deal of time at the family cottage in Wolfeboro, and had a true passion for fishing, delighting in every chance to cast a line. Whether in New Hampshire's streams and ponds, at Moosehead Lake in Maine, or on trips as far away as Alaska, she simply enjoyed being in nature.

Belle was involved in politics for much of her life, fighting hard for the Democratic Party and working on campaigns at the local, state, and national levels. She served as a New Hampshire delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1976, which took her to Washington, D.C. During that time, she attended the inaugural ball at the White House — an unforgettable experience that reflected her lifelong commitment to public service.

Belle is survived by her two sons, Mark Nason of Portsmouth, and Scott (Heidi) Nason of Sandwich; her grandchildren, Amanda (Conor) Hayes and Benjamin (Katie) Nason; and five great-grandchildren, Silas, Clyde and Wilbur Nason, and Vivian and Phoebe Hayes. She was predeceased by her former husband, Lester Nason Jr., as well as her two sisters, Josie McCloud and Ann Raihle.

Her family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff at Dover Center for Health and Rehabilitation for the compassionate care and support they provided over the past several years.

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH. Arrangements will be private and held by her family. To view Belle's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit csnh.com.