Beatrice Ann Sutorius

July 29, 1943 – December 1, 2025

Bea (Hultgren) Sutorius, a woman whose life was defined by love, laughter, and legacy, passed away on December 1, 2025. She was born on July 29, 1943, in Wheaton, Illinois, to Rudolph (Rudy) Hultgren and Dorothy (Nelson) Hultgren.

Bea grew up in Wheaton, Illinois, where the Hultgren and Sutorius families lived next door to one another and shared a friendship that lasted generations. The two families were so close that they often expressed a heartfelt hope that one of the Hultgren girls and one of the Sutorius boys would eventually marry. Although Bea and Kit knew each other throughout childhood, it was not until college that their paths converged in a new and meaningful way. While Bea was studying at Northwestern Medical, she and Kit reconnected and discovered a deeper bond. They began dating secretly before sharing the joyful news with their families. Bea and Kit married in 1963 and shared 55 years of devotion and partnership until Kit’s passing in 2019.

In the early years of their marriage, Bea and Kit discovered a shared love for Colorado during family vacations in the mountains. Those trips quickly became treasured traditions, filled with adventure and the sense of possibility that came with every visit. In 1971, inspired by the beauty and opportunity they found there, Bea and Kit decided to take a leap of faith and move their young family to Longmont. In time, both sets of grandparents also joined them in Colorado, creating a close, three-generation family community that deeply enriched their lives.

Bea possessed a brilliant mind and a joyful spirit. She approached life with curiosity, kindness, and humor. Her laugh had a way of making people feel instantly at ease, and her warmth created a home where love, learning, and faith were central.

Family was the heart of Bea’s life. She poured herself into raising her four children, serving as a room mom, Girl Scout leader, and constant source of encouragement. Her support extended to her fourteen grandchildren as well. Whether it was basketball, football, volleyball, track, lacrosse, swim meets, theater, ballet, or choir performances. Bea was always there cheering from the stands and celebrating every milestone.

Bea was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan throughout her life, a passion she inherited from her father, who often took her and her siblings to games as they grew up. She rarely missed watching a Cubs game and has turned every one of her children and grandchildren into a Cubbie.

Bea loved the outdoors and found some of her happiest moments in the mountains with her family. She and Kit shared a deep love for Colorado’s wilderness, and together they introduced their children to hiking, backpacking, camping, skiing, hunting, and fishing. As a family, they climbed 14 different fourteeners, skied together in every season they could, fished mountain lakes and streams, and built memories filled with laughter, trail lunches, and the thrill of exploring the high countryside. Those outdoor days became part of the family’s story, shaping traditions that are still cherished.

At home, Bea expressed her love through creativity. She quilted, sewed, and did needlepoint, often making handmade gifts that became treasured family keepsakes. Her home was filled with the warmth of her projects, each stitched with care and intention. She was also known for her exceptional cooking, especially the Swedish recipes passed down through generations. Bea took great joy in teaching her children and grandchildren how to make the dishes that connected them to their heritage and to one another.

Faith guided Bea throughout her life. She was a dedicated member of Venture Church (formerly Calvary Church) for decades. She taught Bible studies, sang in the choir, served as a Deacon, and offered her thoughtful perspective on the church’s branding committee. Her service and presence enriched the lives of many in her church community.

Bea was preceded in death by her husband, Kit Sutorius, her parents, Rudy and Dorothy Hultgren, her sister, Sandy Hultgren, her brother, Don Hultgren, and her granddaughter, Isabelle Sutorius.

She is survived by her four children Chris Sutorius, Lori Jones (Terry), KJ Sutorius (Lisa), Terri Sanders (Jim), along with her grandchildren (Chris) Lindsey Esquivel (Sean), and Rudy of Loveland, Colorado, (Lori) Scott, Taylor, Bailey and Kendall of Erie, Colorado, (KJ) Brandon, Jordan, Neveah of Longmont, Colorado, and (Terri) Lillian Davenport (Joshua), Austin, Annmarie, and Rachel of Roseville, California. Her great-grandchildren (Lindsay) Adelina, Remington of Loveland, Colorado. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, James Sutorius of California and Jack Sutorius of Florida, as well as many cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Bea lived a life of generosity, humor, wisdom, and heart. Her legacy continues in the traditions she passed down, the faith she embodied, and the love she shared without hesitation. She touched countless lives, and her presence will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bea’s honor to the National Cancer Society or Venture Church in Longmont, Colorado.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 19, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Venture Church, located at 2101 Gay Street, Longmont, Colorado, 80501.

A reception will follow at the same location at 3:00 pm.

Services are entrusted to Howe Mortuary & Crematory of Longmont, Colorado.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Sutorius family.