Obituary: Brown, Beatrice Evangeline
Age 91
Passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at a care facility in Spokane.
This lovely lady was born October 26, 1920, in Nez Perce, Idaho to Marguerite Isabelle Fuchs and James J. Fuchs.
The family moved to Spokane when Bea was a toddler.
The eldest of three daughters, Beatrice lived in Spokane for most of her life.
She was a Marycliff High School graduate (1938) and received her registered nursing degree from Sacred Heart School of Nursing in 1941.
Bea was a 70-year member of St. Augustine Parish and of St. Gerard’s Guild.
She leaves behind a large immediate family including her four children and their spouses, fourteen grandchildren and thirty-two great grandchildren.
Bea loved updates about her extensive family and, until the last few months, was delighted to attend family gatherings, reunions and celebrations.
As daughter Sherri says, “Mother was always happiest when she was entertaining family and friends.
She loved to celebrate a family occasion with everyone gathered together around the table.
She was a great hostess, who will be remembered for her warmth and devotion to those she loved.”
Bea’s husband of 56 years, Frank Martin Brown, died July 17, 1997.
The couple was married at St. Augustine Catholic Church, October 25, 1941 then moved to Seattle at the start of World War II, where Frank worked at Boeing for the next five years.
After the war the couple returned to Spokane where Frank was a building contractor and President of the Spokane Home Builders Association in 1957.
Bea stayed home with her four children until 1960 when she returned to nursing at Sacred Heart Medical Center for the next eighteen years.
After retirement, Bea and Frank took many trips including Hawaii, Europe and various cruises, but long road trips to California and Las Vegas with her sister Dolores and brother-in-law Howard were particular favorites.
Bea loved to sew, read and do needle work.
She was a great shopper who loved clothes and decorating her houses.
Bea cherished her St. Gerard Guild friends - women she’d met at St. Augustine when they were all young mothers and who continued their deep friendships and monthly meetings through old age.
Bea was also preceded in death by her sister Patricia L. Fuchs and her brother-in-law Howard C. Allers.
She is survived by her beloved sister, Dolores M. Allers of Spokane, as well as five Allers nephews and nieces and their spouses, children and grandchildren.
Beatrice’s surviving children are Marilyn Day Mattick (Arthur T.) of Seattle, Robert F. Brown (Darlene) of Spokane, Richard F. Brown (Margaret) of Green Valley, Arizona and Sharon L. Green (Nigel) of Parksville, British Columbia.
Bea’s family is so grateful for daughter-in-law Darlene’s and son Bob’s vigilant and devoted care of Bea during her final months and weeks.
Their constant tender commitment to her well-being and comfort certainly reassured Bea, gave her great peace and eased her passing.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, January 28, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 428 W. 19 Avenue.
Private commitment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to St. Margaret’s Shelter, 12 E. 5 Ave, Spokane WA 99202, or Hospice of Spokane, PO Box 2215, Spokane WA 99210-2215, or the charity of your choice.
Please visit Bea’s online tribute and leave a condolence at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements by