Condolence: Wow what a lady and what a wonderful friend –
Beth we will so miss not having you come to visit us in London or coming to stay with you in New York. The void of your companionship cannot be filled as it will not be the same eating at our favorite French and Italian Restaurants you so liked, visits to the Royal Academy, The Tate, National Gallery and oh I remember you could not believe they were all free, especially when trying to pay at the Victoria and Albert and madame says “no it's free, go on through and enjoy”.
Your trips were never complete without a visit to Fortnum's or Harrods, especially to the Christmas Shop for your bauble for the tree and the art bookshops.
You were such a dab hand with your Oyster around the City of London, as you were in New York when directing me onto bus and metro routes.
We will miss your voice, advice, laughter, cards, emails and phone calls and of course loosing one of the most adored friends we have ever had. I am so proud this last thirty years has included you in our lives.
You left us on the Queen Mary II, but look forward to joining you and all our artist and musician buddies someday, but in the meantime enjoy the memories and laughter we enjoyed together.

Condolence: Beth and I met when while working at Penta Systems in Baltimore and instantly became fast friends through shared interests, both at work and outside of work. Although I worked out of LA and Beth out of NY, we ended up spending a lot of time together in Baltimore which made my trips there something to look forward to.
One of my fondest memories is of when we'd join up after work at the Belvedere Hotel with it's faded grandeur and funky decor. Meeting for drinks at the hotel bar and then off for dinner with a continuous flow of conversation on a variety of subjects. I'm typically not much of a talker, but with Beth it was easy and I always knew she'd tell it like it was.
It's been such a joy and privilege to have known Beth and to be able to call her friend. Although our visits over the past decade have been fewer, she's never been far from our thoughts, especially in winter while wearing the bobble hats she knitted for us each Christmas.
What a lovely, interesting and fascinating woman to have been able to call a friend.

Condolence: Dear Beth,

This year, marks our 20th year of friendship!

I wish I could be with you today for another good laugh, to catch-up on our lives – to have a tea or coffee, share a meal.
I wish I could be there today to say “thank you and have a great trip! “ You are blazing the trail for the rest of us! SO COOL! Enjoy the ride!
I can hear you now - saying….“What-eva!… as you would say in your fake and comical NY/Boston accent. HA!

We met while working together at the AMNH and have remained friends ever since!
We helped each other in many ways during these years. Working together, getting jobs, sharing life experiences – good and bad.
You helped me learn to work in NYC and learn what to do and not to do. You taught me how to get around the city. and appreciate the big city experience. You made me more street smart. I am very grateful for that.

We’ve enjoyed opening our homes and lives with each other, sharing our family and friends, sending pictures of each other’s flowers.
My family and friends will miss you almost as much as me!

Beth, you are a Lifetime friend.

Enjoy the next journey Beth!

Love,
Coleen

Are you a Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime?
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you figure out which one it is,
you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

— Unknown

Condolence: Beth was a great friend and a truly special woman. She lived a full life and enjoyed Block Island and the retreats.
We are honored to be considered in her and your thoughts.
Be safe and please come visit us here on Block Island. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you.
Always
Sven & Laura Risom

Sven Risom
North Light Fibers, LLC
P.O. Box 1382
Block Island, RI 02807

Condolence: Sven passed on the news of Beth's death. My husband Paul and I are also so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister.

We all shared some rich time with her at the Block Island retreat-- I am disappointed that we won't have the chance again. It is odd when you meet someone and share short piece of time, yet feel so close. Beth was a woman of wisdom and great depth. It was a joy to listen to her, to witness her calm and dignity. She sought joy, with acceptance and patience. I feel privileged to have known her.

If there is anything I can do, let me know. Do you have a photo of her? I am the keynote speaker at the fall retreat and would love to mention her at that time in the slide show, in memoriam.

With sadness,
Deborah Newton

Condolence: Beth was a gallant fighter for life......an example to us all, in how to live, and how to die. My sympathy to the family.