Marie C. Beahan

Marie was born April 1, 1920, in Towanda, PA to James and Carrie Christino. and graduated from Towanda High School in 1938. She later married classmate Bradley Beahan, who became a career airman serving in WWII, the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The Beahan family lived on bases in Germany, New Jersey, Key West, Fort Walton Beach, and the Mojave Desert in southern California. While stationed abroad, Marie explored her heritage by visiting the Italian village of Morolo where her father was born.

After Bradley retired from the Air Force, the Beahans moved to Winter Haven in 1970 where Marie enjoyed attending regional theater performances with her husband, the former drama critic and entertainment editor for the News Chief and The Ledger. In addition to being a full-time military wife and mother, Marie was dedicated to “helping others,” as a volunteer with the American Red Cross for more than 25 years, a member of the Winter Haven Hospital Auxiliary and a Columbiette at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Marie also loved to cook and play cards with friends, and was an enthusiastic member of the Winter Haven Bridge Club. She is especially remembered for her kindness and generosity, and was known for her always lovely dress and manner.

Marie continued to enjoy new adventures late in life. In 2010, for her 90th birthday celebration, Marie strapped on a helmet and harness and zip-lined over Georgia’s historic Banning Mills’ Snake Creek Gorge. She loved the experience and declared that a hot-air balloon ride would be next!

Marie was predeceased by husband, Bradley, and sisters, Margherite Chiola and Teresa McLean.

She is survived by three sons, Michael (Virginia) of Lyme, NH, Jake (Karen) of Tavares, FL, and Thomas (Susan) of Newnan, GA; five grandchildren, Christina, Zachary, Leila, Lily, and Nolan; and one great grandchild, Torrin; six nieces, Peggy Sealander of Gaithersburg, MD, Jeannine (Bobby) Nordan of Walnut Creek, CA; Pril (Mike) Callinan of Phoenix, AZ; Sidney (Ray) Faricy of Minneapolis, MN; Janet Williams of Wilmington, OH, Pati (Ed) Wilson of Titusville, FL; four nephews, Paul (Pam) Kellogg of Helena, AL, Peter Kellogg of St. Augustine, FL, and Phillip (Janice) Kellogg of Castle Rock, CO, and Steven Chiola of Wyalusing, PA; and her life-long high school friend Jane H. Pentz of Fort Walton Beach, FL.

The Beahan family would like to extend special thanks to Spring Haven Retirement Community residents and staff for their friendship, support, and thoughtfulness throughout her time there and to Good Shepherd Hospice for providing tenderness and compassion during Marie’s final days.

A Catholic funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 23rd, in the Chapel of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Winter Haven, FL. Interment will be at St. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Towanda, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the George C. Forsythe Good Shepherd Hospice House in Auburndale, FL.