Virginia Mary Beccari Beaulieu

Virginia Mary Beccari Beaulieu age 94 of Libby passed away peacefully in her home on March 23, 2017. She was born on August 23, 1922 in Missoula to Julius and Madalena Beccari who brought their rich Italian heritage and culture to the mountains of Montana. At an early age her family moved from Missoula to Ravenna, Montana and then to Libby where she attended Libby Public Schools. She earned her degree in nursing from St. Patrick’s School of Nursing in Missoula. While serving as a U.S. Army Nurse in California during World War II she met Thomas James Beaulieu.

Thomas and Virginia were married in Libby on April 14, 1945. They returned to Libby a few years later to raise their family. Virginia worked as a registered nurse at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital and the Libby Care Center for many years. She faithfully served her family, church family and community with compassion and grace. In 1980 she was recognized for her giving nature and honored as “Woman of the Year” by the Kootenai Business and Professional Women.

Virginia was a talented lady with many passions. She delighted in cooking, gardening, reading, listening to classical music and sewing for her family. She enjoyed watching birds and animals gather in the orchard and gardens near her home. Virginia’s passion for journaling is appreciated by her family. She was diligent in writing daily highlights over the course of her long life. Her beautiful words of history are a tremendous gift to her loved ones and will be cherished for many generations. Virginia’s devotion to God and her Catholic faith gave her strength, courage and hope as she lived and nurtured her family. Her love for her family came second only to the love for her Lord Jesus Christ. This is evident in her daily writings as she often included inspirational prayer and messages of hope leaving a legacy of faith worthy to be followed by all who knew her.

The quote, “An Italian Mother is a Blessing from God” rings true with the Beaulieu Family. Virginia sincerely believed that family is God’s greatest creation. Her family was the joy of her life. She will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Our “Bella Mamma (Beautiful Mother)” was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Thomas, sons Terry and Peter, sisters Gloria Shrewsberry, Betty Moderie, Marchita Funke, Joy Moreau and her brother Paul Beccari.

She is survived by her seven sons; James (Linda), Stephen, Patrick (Jean), Vincent (Cindy), Jules, Alan (Sally), Sean (Vicki), and her daughter Annette. She is also survived by her sister Julia Smith, 24 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Services Celebrating Virginia’s life will be held

Vigil Service - Thursday, April 6 at 7 p.m. - Schnackenberg and Nelson Funeral Home 422 West 2nd Street in Libby, Montana

Mass of Resurrection - Friday, April 7 at 11 a.m. - St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 719 Utah Ave. in Libby. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.