Alyce was born on June 24, 1928 to Robert and Thelma Urquhart in Yakima, Washington. She was raised on her parents’ dairy farm in Cottonwood Canyon. Alyce was the oldest of four children. As a young woman, she helped out on the dairy ranch every day.
Alyce attended Armstrong Elementary School and Cowiche High School where she always joked about sliding down the fire escape tube in a dress flying up around her knees! In her youth, she spent time with her aunt, Miss Irma Hazen, who gave her the gift of education, love, style, and grace.
Alyce married the love of her life, Paul J. Beaulaurier, on June 30, 1947 at Holy Rosary Church in Moxee, Washington. They shared 71 beautiful years together. Alyce and Paul met at a dance at the Playland Dance Pavilion. Dad always said the first time he saw Mom he thought “I’m going to marry that girl” – and he did! Alyce and Paul have five children: Kristine E. Sims, Scott J. Beaulaurier, Rev. Brooks F. Beaulaurier, Denielle H. Beaulaurier, and Brent P. Beaulaurier.
Alyce will be remembered for many great things. Among these, and closest to her heart, was that she converted to Catholicism prior to her marriage to Paul. She shared her faith with others throughout her entire life with truth and love. Alyce and Paul were very much involved in all aspects of St. Paul Cathedral Church. They were instrumental in the start of the Resurrection Group, serving meals and helping heal souls after many funerals. They were also actively involved in the Serra Group, Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, St. Paul Cathedral Parish Council, and many other church activities.
Mom was always present and very much involved in the raising of her children and their activities. As with all moms, she had eyes in the back of her head. We couldn’t get away with anything.
Through her marriage to Paul, Alyce had an extended family to include nieces, nephews, and foster children that swept throughout Cowiche Canyon, Moxee, and the Lower Valley. Extended family was a very important part of Alyce’s life. She was a nurturer and their door was always open to those in need.
Alyce had a long, successful career. She worked for KIT Radio spending many hours on air as a reporter. She had her own show on KIMA TV, and worked with Uncle Jimmy’s Club House with Montana Tom. They always joked how Alyce had to smoke a cigarette on TV for one show and she coughed through the entire show. Alyce and Paul often listened to her on tape following a show on the radio or TV. Paul shared that Alyce was her own hardest critic.
Alyce worked for Bill Wyman automobile dealership, the administrative assistant at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing until the school closed, and for Fred S. James Insurance agency among other ventures. She never sat still. Alyce was always on the “cutting edge” throughout her personal and professional life.
Alyce and Paul spent many years travelling in their motor home through Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada. Throughout these adventures they made many lifetime friendships.
Alyce was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Thelma Urquhart, her brother William Urquhart, her sister Emily Foster, and her son-in-law Bernard J. Sims.
Alyce is survived by her husband, Paul J. Beaulaurier, her brother Robert W. Urquhart (Hazel), children Kristine E. (Beaulaurier) Sims, Scott J. Beaulaurier (Patti), Rev. Brooks F. Beaulaurier, Denielle H. Beaulaurier (Terry P. Abeyta), and Brent P. Beaulaurier (Rochelle L. Dixon); five grandchildren, Matthew S. Beaulaurier (Niccole), Brian P. Beaulaurier, Dianna L. Beaulaurier, Kathryn E. Sims, Colette M. (Beaulaurier) Wright (Derek), and Hunter L. Wilson; three great-grandchildren, Kallen T. Wright and twins Pearson A. and Jane A. Beaulaurier.
Visitation will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (902 W. Yakima Avenue, Yakima, WA). A Vigil will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at St. Paul Cathedral (15 S. 12th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902) at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 7, 2018 at St. Paul Cathedral at 10:00 am. A reception will follow the mass on the third floor at St. Paul School. Burial service for immediate family only will be held at Calvary Cemetery following the reception.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Msgr. John Ecker Foundation to benefit Christ The Teacher Catholic School or a charity of donor’s choice through Keith & Keith Funeral Home.
To leave a message or memory for the family, please go to www.keithandkeith.com. Keith & Keith Funeral Home is caring for the family.
Paul always said, “There are many women in this world, but very few ladies and Alyce was one of those ladies.”
