HOLDEN – Edith Ann Beauchamp, 82, died peacefully Feb. 8, 2012, at a Bangor hospital after a series of precipitous health crises and miraculous rallies. Edith was born Nov. 28, 1929, in Lynn, Mass., daughter of Leo Beauchamp Sr. and Evelyn (Wilson) Beauchamp.
Edith was a lifelong learner. She accomplished her registered nurse degree from Massachusetts General Hospital in 1952, a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from Emmanuel College, Boston, in 1955, a Master of Science degree in chemistry from Marquette University in Wisconsin in 1972, a Master of Business Administration degree from Boston University with honors in 1982 and a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing from Husson University in 2005. In her life work Edith began her career first as a staff nurse, instructor and supervisor at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. She took her vows and became a nun in 1956. She then served as an instructor in chemistry, teaching in Catholic schools in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Upon returning to secular life, she served at Salem Hospital, Salem, Mass., from 1973 to 1975, as the administrative supervisor of the Critical Care Unit. She then worked at Malden Hospital in Massachusetts, from 1975 to 1976, as the assistant director of nursing. She moved to the Bangor area and served as the vice president of patient care at St. Joseph Hospital from 1986 to 1998. In 1994 she served as volunteer consultant for New Hope Hospice, formulating the business plan, and then in 2002 became a staff nurse, the quality care coordinator and the employee assistance provider for that agency. Her efforts on behalf of New Hope Hospice have been unforgettable and invaluable. She also counseled veterans in a voluntary capacity, and upon attaining her final master’s degree in psychiatric nursing, she established her own private practice in 2005 with a particular focus on helping survivors of trauma. She also served as past president for the Bangor Chapter of Altrusa International. Edith was a brilliant, accomplished, multi-talented woman who marveled in the adventure of life. She loved the beauty of nature, and enjoyed hiking and bird watching, preferably with friends. She was a gifted singer, musician, writer and teacher. She possessed an amazing generosity of spirit and had an enormous capacity to inspire and motivate people to be their best self. Most importantly she was a dear and loyal friend and a beautiful human being.
She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Leo Jr.; her sister, Marjorie Slager; and her special nephew, David Beauchamp. She is survived by her brothers, Ed Beauchamp and his wife, Bev, of Clifton and Victor Beauchamp of Lynn, Mass.; many nieces and nephews, especially her precious great-niece, Leah, and nieces Leanne, Nancy, Kristin and Karen. She will be dearly remembered by her many friends of all ages, as well as her colleagues and her co-workers whose lives she touched and indelibly impressed. Edith left this world a better place by being in it and by moving through it. A special thanks goes out to Dr. Vincent Michaud for his diligent medical supervision, as well as every health care worker that Edith both challenged and relied upon. Edith also wanted to express heartfelt thanks to her brother, Ed and her dear friend, Pat Eye, for their tireless efforts on her behalf in managing her affairs and her healthcare in the past few years. She was truly thankful to Holden Police Department and Fire Department for their respect for her, and their immediate response to her health crises.
Relatives and friends are welcome to call 5-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. John’s Catholic Church, 207 York St., Bangor. Donations in her memory may be made to Holden Fire/Rescue, 570 Main Road, Holden, ME 04429 or New Hope Hospice, P.O. Box 70, Eddington, ME 04428-0070.
“Goodbye for now, Edith.”