Sandra Lee Beam

For all she gave and for all she was to those who knew and loved her, Sandra Beam was a loving and caring force behind those with whom she came in contact with. She loved her family with all her heart and nothing brought her more joy than being surrounded by their company. A woman dedicated to the task at hand, she loved and gave freely with a kindness unmatched. Although she will be deeply missed, she leaves a legacy of love and treasured memories for her family to hold close in the days to come. While the nation struggled through the worst year during the Great Depression, 1933 saw an unprecedented U.S. jobless rate of over 15 million. At the same time, great strides were being made in the culture of America as Radio City Music Hall opened and The Ranger, the first U.S. aircraft carrier, was launched. FDR held his first Fireside Chat to boost the spirits of Americans while picture shows served as a welcome deviation from hard economic times. In the shoreline community of Muskegon, Michigan, Dr. Marvin and Maxine (McAllister) Rosie found much to distract their attention away from everyday worries as they celebrated the birth of their baby girl, Sandra Lee, born on June 30, 1933. The Rosie family made their home in the Muskegon Heights area where Sandra grew up with her older brother, Marvin Jr. She attended the local elementary and junior high schools and was a friend to many. Sandy Yarrington, Dotty and Irene were especially close childhood friends of Sandras and they remained so for years to come. As a family they thoroughly enjoyed the various lakes around Muskegon and took in fun-filled times boating when Sandra was a youngster. In fact, her father even named one of his boats after his Sandra Lee. Over the years Sandra and her family traveled occasionally, but she especially loved spending time with her Grandma Rosie at her home in nearby Grand Haven. One of the highlights for Sandra when staying there was attending church with them. As a child she took ballet lessons and as a very talented and graceful ballerina, took part in many shows and recitals throughout her youth. In the summer of 1947 Sandra discovered true love while attending a dance in Grand Haven. There she met a handsome World War II Veteran named Earl Beam, Jr. who swept her off her feet, and he too was quite smitten with Sandra, a pretty, young brunette. An intelligent young woman, particularly when it came to her studies, she went on to graduate from Muskegon High School and was honored as Summa Cum Laude of her graduating class. In love and inseparable, Sandra and Earl shared vows of marriage on March 13, 1950. Before long they welcomed the love of children into their hearts when daughter Lynda came along later that year in 1950. Karen was born in 1951, followed by Earl in 1959. Their fourth child, Christine, completed their family in 1966. Sandra was a remarkable and caring mother who loved her children deeply and unconditionally. A hard working woman, she and Earl raised their family on Albert Avenue where Sandra made a wonderful home for them. Actively involved in the lives of her children, she also served as a band parent for several years. Their family was traditional in many respects, and over the years well loved family pets could be found there as a welcome member of the family. Together the Beam family enjoyed camping and travel in general. The annual motorcycle hill climb at Mt. Garfield was sure to be a fun time shared along with many festive and memorable holiday gatherings. Sandra was talented in the kitchen and loved to cook and bake. Throughout the years she and Earl loved dancing together and would often share a night out to do so. One of the places where Sandra felt the most peace and contentment was in her garden. She loved taking care of her many plants and grew the most beautiful flowers. It was in the mid 1970s when Sandra began working as the school secretary at Marquette School where she remained for the next 20 years. A well admired part of the staff, the kids at school affectionately referred to her as the office teacher. She truly loved her job there and through her work made many dear friends over the years. As a member of the M.E.A., Michigan Education Association, Sandra served for a time as a steward with the organization as well. In her free time, especially after retiring in 1997, Sandra enjoyed playing golf at Lincoln Golf Club and was on several bowling leagues through the years. She also enjoyed reading and keeping up with current affairs. An avid fan of the Boston Celtics basketball team, she often watched their games and would at times get so into the game at hand she would literally yell at the TV! In her heart of hearts, there was nothing that brought Sandra more joy than being in the midst of her beloved grandchildren. She absolutely loved being a grandmother and so enjoyed having her family over at every opportunity, especially the holidays. As her children began families of their own, she found it endearing to watch them raise their own children, and they did so with much of the same love and care they were shown by their own mother, Sandra. With a gift for quilting, knitting and crafts, Sandra found time to be creative in this remarkable way and made many treasured gifts for her loved ones which will be cherished possessions for years to come. Sandra began having some medical problems in 2006 with her heart which required several surgeries. She fought hard following each of them and anxious to get back on her feet, she recovered remarkably well every time. She possessed a strong will to live, but an even greater love for her family. Over the years her body became weak and eventually she could no longer fight. At the age of 77, Sandra Lee Beam died on Wednesday, December 22, 2010. Sandra will be sadly missed yet fondly remembered for all she gave and for all she was to those who knew and loved her. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Earl; daughters: Lynda (Chas) Morse of Spring, Texas, Karen (Stanley) Bielinski of Muskegon, Christine (Scott) Spring-VanderVen; son, Earl (Tammy) Beam, III; grandchildren: Lance deJong, Claudia deJong, Chad (Lynette) deJong, Kimberly (Tony) Myers, Lacey (John) Wolfinger, Rion Spring, Kendal Spring; seven step-grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; beloved dog, Roxie and cat, Molly. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Marvin Rosie, Jr. SERVICE: Wednesday, December 29, 2010, 11:00 AM at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Rev. Eric Strattan officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. VISITATION: Tuesday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: Every Woman's Place or City Rescue Mission. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a favorite memory, submit a photo or to sign Sandras online guest book.