Isabella Noelani Parson Welch, lovingly known as Bella, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025. Born in San Anselmo, California, Bella grew up surrounded by a close-knit community that shaped her earliest joys and deepest friendships. She attended St. Anselm School and Marin Catholic High School, where she made a lasting impression marked by warmth, humor, and an unmistakable spark. After high school, she graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and embraced both academic life and the spirit of aloha—an ethos that mirrored her generous, open-hearted way of moving through the world.

Bella’s life included medical challenges beginning at birth due to a severe facial cleft and later through a diagnosis of Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (VEDS). Yet, for those who knew her, these obstacles never defined her story. Bella met each moment with humility, humor, and remarkable resilience; qualities that made her presence feel both grounding and bright. Her spark shone through in the way she listened, laughed, inspired, and cared for others; it was that spark—not her circumstances—that shaped her legacy.

During high school, Bella joined Operation Smile on a 10-day medical mission to Vietnam, where she witnessed the transformative power of care and connection. Her lived experience made her a natural ambassador for the organization: empathetic, authentic, and fiercely committed to helping children access life-changing treatment. It was one of the many ways she turned adversity into service.

In early adulthood, Bella was diagnosed with Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (vEDS), a rare and serious genetic condition affecting connective tissue. Though the diagnosis reshaped her life, it never defined her spirit. Bella remained steadfast in her pursuit of well-being, finding strength sharing her story as a disability consultant and resiliency advocate shifting the view of beauty, disability, and inclusion. She found solace in nature, frequently hiking Mount Tamalpais, where the quiet beauty of the trails offered perspective, strength, and peace. She navigated her medical realities with courage, curiosity, and a tenacity that inspired action. 

To many, Bella was a force—quick-witted, warm, and disarmingly funny. She had an extraordinary ability to make others feel seen, understood, and at ease. She traveled widely, exploring England, Italy, Morocco, Mexico, and destinations across the United States, forming meaningful connections wherever she went. Her creativity, humor, and independence left an indelible mark on friends, family, and community alike.

Bella’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many healthcare providers who supported and cared for her throughout her life with skill, compassion, and genuine love.