Christine Marie Beechey

Christine Marie Beechey, 53, passed away on December 29, 2023. She was born on May 4, 1970, to Mary E. and Charles W. Porter of Terryville, Connecticut. The youngest of four children, Chris spent every moment that she could of her childhood outdoors with animals of all varieties but especially horses, playing sports like softball and volleyball, and keeping her parents on their toes.

Chris attended Westfield State college and obtained her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice before joining the United States Coast Guard. Chris was so very proud of her service to the country, using her education and Coast Guard training to participate in the interception of illegal and dangerous activities and the rescue of mariners in distress. Chris met her future husband and fellow member of the Coast Guard James E. Beechey Jr while stationed in Key West, FL in 1996. After spending time getting to know each other in the paradise of the Florida Keys, Chris and Jim were both transferred to Yorktown, VA and were married on July 2nd, 1997.

Chris and Jim began their married life together in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and continued to build their life together over the next 25 years. Chris’s love of animals continued as she spent time being a mother to her horse, Grace, and her beagle, Cutter. Then in 2000, Chris and Jim welcomed their daughter, Kayla Rose Beechey. With the addition of Kayla, their family became complete, and Chris’s time and heart became full.

Chris will always be remembered for her many stories of humorous happenstance, that she would share with everyone, even when she was the target of the unfortunate mishap. Her love of the band Queen, celebrating the Kentucky Derby every year, and being a steadfast New England Patriots fan even though she was surrounded by so many who were not. Most importantly she was there for the people in her life no matter the need, as a daughter, a wife, a mother, and a friend.

Chris was preceded in death by her mother Mary Porter, and her niece Nicole Brady. She is survived by husband James Beechey Jr, daughter Kayla Beechey, her Father Charles Porter, and in-laws James and Jullina Beechey. As well as siblings Kathleen Gotlibowski (spouse Paul), Stephen Porter (spouse Marie), Shawn Porter (spouse Deborah), siblings in law Heather Sellitti (spouse Bryan), Samantha Beechey, Beth Smith (spouse Michael) and 12 nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.