Beth was my sister, my first friend and one of my closest friends. Beth and I grew up together. We played together as children. I recall one occasion when I convinced her that dirt was good for her hair and that a good bucketful dumped on her head would make her hair all the more beautiful. We rebelled from our parents in a similar fashion. I remember her driving me crazy every morning playing her music really loud. Ultimately we became even closer as adults. I remember all the fun we had on our game nights losing to her at Pictionary. Beth was quick to laugh at a joke and quick to tell one of her own. Beth delighted in the humor of life often finding life’s little foibles funny where others were frustrated. I always admired her sense of humor, her integrity, her presence of mind and her serenity.
Beth enjoyed spending time with her friends and sharing her life with them. She never hesitated to offer her friendship to anyone and her friendship was of the highest order. Beth taught me the meaning of friendship. Beth loved baking and crafts and playing the piano and she approached them all with a childlike interest and natural ability at each. Whatever she attempted there was no doubt she would be good at it in a very short time.
Beth was the most compassionate person I’ve known. She cared deeply for the people in her life and it was always apparent in her actions. If you had a problem she was eager to lend an ear and aid in any way she could. If you were sad she would cheer you when it seemed impossible. She brought joy and happiness to all of our lives. If ever you felt misplaced in the world she opened her home to you and made you feel loved. Beth was a model of compassion and caring.
Beth was the hub of our family, the person around which our family revolved. Beth was as an embrace for the family, she held all of us dear to her. She never needed a special occasion to get all of us together, a weekday evening sufficed. It was Beth who in her interest of family researched our own and assembled a family tree. When Beth married she brought her husband Vince into our family and made him feel welcome. She gave us another brother. Beth brought four beautiful girls into this world and in each of them I see Beth. Andrea, Danielle, Jessica and Lisa were her pride and joy. All of them are bright, sensitive and playful. Just like their mother. They are a tribute to Beth’s love and caring. Beth loved family and it was she who showed us the love of family.
I will miss my sister more than I can say. We all will. She was a bright light in the darkness. As long as we remember her, as long as she lives in our hearts she will live on as a vibrant part of our lives. We love you Beth.
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