Her Name Meant Loving-Kindness. Her Legacy Still Does.

Metta didn’t seek attention for her generosity. Instead, she believed her most powerful gift was planting seeds of compassion that would grow long after she was gone.

Metta with her Keeshond, Diamond. Her husband, Jon, reflects that life on their farm with their companion animals was instrumental in shaping their giving.  “Our present companion animals, Diamond, a Keeshond, and Mandy, a rescued tabby cat, have given us great joy through happy and difficult times. We have experienced the love these animals have given to us, and we’ve seen the many ways animals touch people’s lives."

Metta Belisle lived her name. In Sanskrit (classical language of Hinduism), Metta means loving-kindness—a philosophy she carried into every part of her life, from rescuing animals to planting flowers and trees.

Today, even after her passing, the compassion that guided Metta continues to thrive through a Donor Advised Fund she and her husband Jon created at the St. Croix Valley Foundation.

A retired teacher, Metta, believed that how we treat animals and the earth says everything about who we are. She adopted family cats over the years from humane societies and volunteered to care for flowers and trees at the local cemetery. “She was certain that we all have a purpose,” her husband, Jon, remembers. “That included the environment, animals, and people.”

Since Metta’s passing last year, Jon continues to carry forward the spirit of her life passions through their Donor Advised Fund. The couple had long been intentional about their estate planning and had witnessed their legacy in action throughout the Valley. Jon says that because of that planning, he is confident that “while Metta’s voice has been silenced, her kindness, compassionate care, and environmental interests continue.”

Jon and Metta Belisle

Jon Belisle worked for 30 years at 3M as a research chemist. Metta was a third-grade teacher at Battle Creek Elementary School in St. Paul for 29 years. Together, they made wise decisions through the years about how to spend their money, manage their assets, and share their wealth through charitable giving, always with a focus on animals and the environment.

They chose to begin their legacy giving while they could personally advise their fund and magnify its contributions, ensuring it could transform the lives of people, the environment, and animals through the St. Croix Valley Foundation. Jon says, “One of the joys of working with the St. Croix Valley Foundation is knowing you can do good for others, both now and in the future.”

Life on their farm with their companion animals was instrumental in shaping their giving.  “Our present companion animals, Diamond, a Keeshond, and Mandy, a rescued tabby cat, have given us great joy through happy and difficult times. We have experienced the love these animals have given to us, and we’ve seen the many ways animals touch people’s lives,” Jon reflects.

Metta also believed that planting trees was one of the highest forms of life. “She loved to plant and care for trees,” Jon says.  Her hobbies revolved around the outdoors, where the birds “sing to you as their thanks,” and she loved collecting and painting rocks. Metta always said, “Get outside and get happy!” Jon and Metta’s legacy planning with the St. Croix Valley Foundation ensures their purpose continues to be supported now and into the future. “The foundation made it so easy. They helped us think through what was important to us — and now, I get to see that good happening in real time.”

Jon encourages others — especially those who care deeply about a cause — to explore setting up a Donor Advised Fund. “You don’t need to be wealthy. You just need a story, a purpose, and a heart for something bigger than yourself.”

“It’s not about dollars,” Jon says. “It’s about keeping Metta’s heart and hopes alive in the world, even after her voice is gone.”

Metta didn’t seek attention for her generosity. Instead, she believed her most powerful gift was planting seeds of compassion that would grow long after she was gone. The lyrics to one of Jon’s favorite Alan Jackson songs, "Little Bitty," sum up his and Metta’s purpose of legacy giving: "Might as well share, might as well smile. Life goes on for a little bitty while.”

Inspired by Metta and Jon’s story? Explore how your own values can live on through a Donor Advised Fund at the St. Croix Valley Foundation — a simple, flexible way to create a legacy that reflects what matters most to you.

Metta always said, “Get outside and get happy!” Jon and Metta’s legacy planning with the St. Croix Valley Foundation ensures their purpose continues to be supported now and into the future.