Marian Beach

When reflecting on the life of Marian Beach, it is easy to see that the common thread woven throughout her tapestry of time was her selfless heart. In so many ways, she lived her life for others, never asking for anything in return. Marian’s quiet faith was her constant companion and the compass she used to guide her every thought, word, and deed. She viewed her roles as a wife and mother to be both her greatest gift and highest calling, and she made it her life’s mission to tend to those in her care. Those who knew Marian never needed to wonder whether they were loved since she mastered showing unconditional love to those around her. She leaves behind precious memories that will never be forgotten.

The year 1926 was one of new experiences around every corner in America. It was the year that Henry Ford first introduced the eight hour work day, NBC was organized as the first national radio network, and the first successful flight was made over the North Pole. This was also a year of exciting changes for the family of Harold and Marie (Holben) Anderson since it was on November 15th that they welcomed their daughter, Marian, into their family. Born in Kent City, Michigan, Marian was the third of four children in her family. The Andersons were rather poor, but they got by. Marian’s mother served as her primary role model throughout her life and Marian greatly respected her older brother, faithfully writing to him while he was stationed overseas. Like most siblings, the Anderson children had their disagreements, but they were a close-knit group. Marian especially loved singing with her sister, Lois. Her older sister Kate was also important to Marian and, even during these last years, she and Kate would speak every other day, by phone, to just keep up and see how each other were doing. She attended local schools where she was an exceptional student as she was blessed with a sharp mind throughout her life. Marian graduated with the class of 1944 from Kent City High School.

After graduating from high school, Marian moved to Grand Rapids with some friends and found an apartment. She worked for Sears Roebuck Company and for Standard Oil for a time. This was a special time in Marian’s life that she always spoke fondly of. She had great girlfriends with whom she traveled to Niagara Falls. It was also as a young woman that Marian was set up on a blind date with the man who would forever change the course of her life. His name was Calvin Beach and after falling in love, Marian and Calvin were united in marriage on April 25, 1953.

Not long after they were married, Marian and Calvin were blessed with their first of seven children. Marian completely immersed herself into caring for her husband and children who arrived over a period of 15 years. They moved a couple of times while their children were young, but always remained on the northeast side of Grand Rapids. Many years were spent in their home on Prospect NE. Marian loved being a homemaker and did a marvelous job of keeping her large family in order. She faithfully took care of the cooking, cleaning, shopping, and the laundry – always without complaining. Marian discovered that certain rituals were the key to a smoothly run family. She was committed to her marriage, although it was not always easy, as she realized that an intact marriage was the best gift she could give her children. Marian was a great cook, but she never gave herself enough credit and she also baked. Her mother was the queen of baking, but Marian usually made sure there were treats for the children on their birthdays.

There were so many ways in which Marian kept her home running smoothly. She never had a lot, but always had enough and could pinch a penny better than anyone. Marian was frugal out of necessity, shopping at several stores in order to get the best price, and she always knew ahead of time how much things would cost. She occasionally took the children on day trips to see her mother, but had to be sure to leave on time to pick Calvin up from work since they only had one car. These visits were always of great importance to Marian since she really looked up to her mother. Although Marian sacrificed nearly everything for her children, there was one thing that was all her own – her semi-sweet chocolate treats that were always hidden from her children. She rarely wandered too far from home and she hated driving on the expressway. Marian’s shopping most often took her to the same stores week after week. Even though she was never really fond of making decisions, Marian made them when needed.

Those who knew Marian had much to love. She was a woman of faith who accepted Christ at a young age. Marian’s faith grew to full maturity and was something she treasured all her life. Many of the hymns she sang with her sister as a young girl remained forever in her heart. Marian never judged others, and she loved to laugh. At times Marian could be quick-witted, sometimes making off the cuff remarks that always brought a round of laughter. She carefully kept a calendar and never forgot the special days of those she loved. When her family grew to include grandchildren, Marian was overjoyed and spending time with them quickly became a favorite. She was almost always available to babysit at a moment’s notice as her children were usually welcome to drop the grandchildren at her house.

Later in life, Marian experienced both peaks and valleys. In 1994, Calvin passed away. Marian remained in her home for several years until she needed additional care a couple of years ago. She then moved to Tendercare of Wyoming where she remained for nearly the rest of her life.

As Marian entered the sunset of her life, she struggled with her health, particularly during the last weeks. She was still able to communicate and enjoyed visiting with her family in the hospital, but she was ready to go to heaven.

Marian Beach was a remarkable woman who was content in whatever life brought her. She loved being at home caring for those she loved whether her husband, her children, or her grandchildren. Marian’s absence will be deeply felt while her memory is forever cherished.

Marian M. Beach of Wyoming died on November 7, 2010. Marian’s family includes her children: Marcia (William) Swindell, Rodney (Lupita) Beach, Joan Beach, Gary Beach, Noreen (Patrick) Kalisz, James (Pamela) Beach, Patrick Beach; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; brother, Carl (Caroline) Anderson; sisters Katherine Johnson, Lois Hooker; and brother-in-law Floyd (Georgie) Beach; as well as several nieces and nephews. Marian was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin, in 1994. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien – Grand Rapids, MI, 1833 Plainfield NE where friends are invited to visit with her family on Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to either St. Mary’s Heath Care Critical Care Unit or Spectrum Health Hospice.