I always assumed maybe she dies during child birth?
Usually the princesses talk about the time their mom died but she doesnt and thats what leads me to believe that.

I was never under the impression that Belle's mom died. All the princesses who have dead parents have some sort of mention of their parent's passing, and Belle...I just got the impression that she left. If Belle is half her mother, she probably got her father's loyalty gene, but I imagine her mom to be unhappy in that small town and to have left.

I bet maybe of a sickness or a fire

With it being Disney, it's a little depressing to imagine Belle's mom just up and leaving, but you point out some very valid details of the story, princesslullaby. I was never sure one way or another.

Aaaw, poor Belle. ♥

I'm sure. she had very difficult labor

In Treasure Planet, the dad took off and left his family behind.

^^yes, so what's your point?

Haha... I don't have one. Just saying that's the only time I ever saw that in an animated Disney film. I think.

Oh, yea. I absolutely love Treasure Planet.

KataraLover, why do you think Belle's mother died in a fire? I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm just interested.

I dunno. Somehow, her mother dying seems too romantic (in the tragic sense). But knowing her father, it's understandable how a woman might not be able to take his sort of insanity. Also being the girl who's mother abandonded her just adds to why Belle is seen as an outcast. I guess I just think her mother leaving makes the story all the more juicy and interesting.