To My Friend, Beth Wise
Dear Friends and blog followers,
I’ve never written a post quite like this one, and I do so with a heavy heart.
Beth Wise and her travel companion sat in my home about three weeks ago to discuss some tips on their upcoming trip to Paris and other destinations in France. Bernie joined us. Beth was so excited to return to Paris, a place she adored. And she was definitely among the ranks of us Francophiles who can’t seem to get enough.
Beth was a loyal reader of our blog and on most days would leave a comment which was positive and uplifting… like she was all the time. On top of that, she was soon to be my neighbor and in the process of selling her home of many years and moving in just across the street from me. We had so many plans to grow our friendship.
Then suddenly…everything changed when I received a phone-call about 3:30 yesterday from a mutual friend telling me that Beth had died of a massive heart attack while in Le Havre. This was almost unbelievable, jaw-dropping, and heart breaking. It’s been so very hard to wrap my thoughts and my heart around this terrible piece of news.
I write this as a tribute to Beth, to what she meant to our community of Huntsville, Alabama and to those who cherished her stalwart spirit and generous heart. I write to you all, both near and far, because we are of one core and have so enjoyed Paris together this past summer. We have lost one of own. Though you may not have known her, you can feel the pain of loss for her love of Paris and love of life. Share in this grief as we remember her family and her dear travel companion, Suzanne O’Connor.
Rest in peace, Beth Wise. We are better because we knew you.
Tenderly,
Linda & Bernie
October 26, 2021 @ 2:04 pm
Thank you, Linda. My heart is heavy. I met Beth when my daughter was in kindergarten with her daughter. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. She was also a great supporter of the Huntsville Symphony. Huntsville will miss her.
October 26, 2021 @ 2:15 pm
Thanks for this really nice tribute to a wonderful lady and a good friend to many of us. My son, Courtney, called me yesterday to tell me of the sad news. He said, “Dad, this has really bothered me. She was a good friend and a big help to me and to all of us at the symphony.” Beth’s close friendship to my son and perhaps others of his generation tells me a lot about her broad reach and help commitment to help Huntsville. This is such a big loss for all.
October 26, 2021 @ 2:15 pm
Oh Linda, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend! And so sorry for the loss of another Alabama soul from Huntsville. Thank you for letting us know.
With sorrow,
Jeanie
October 26, 2021 @ 2:34 pm
I did not know Beth but I am so sorry for your loss of such a good friend.
October 26, 2021 @ 2:40 pm
So sorry for your loss, Linda. Thank you for sharing your tribute to Beth. We all are united through your blog which we cherish and love. Beth was blessed to have you and Bernie as good friends.
October 26, 2021 @ 2:57 pm
What a sad loss for her family and friends, and for the Huntsville community. She gave so much to Huntsville through her dedication to the arts and to the civic activities she supported. She will be missed. My thoughts are with her family and all who knew her as we cherish her memory.
October 26, 2021 @ 3:19 pm
Amen. She was one of the most remarkable women I have had the privilege of knowing.
October 26, 2021 @ 3:19 pm
Beth leaves a legacy of service to others, professionalism, kindness and compassion. She was a person of character; she possessed God’s fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. Beth was a friend to all and she will be greatly missed, but not forgotten.
October 26, 2021 @ 4:07 pm
I was shocked and shaken when I heard yesterday that Beth had died of a massive heart attack. Beth was an amazing woman and a dear friend to so many. Rest In Peace dear Beth.
October 26, 2021 @ 4:14 pm
Linda, I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend and am praying comfort for you and her family.
October 26, 2021 @ 4:30 pm
Thank you, Linda,, for your tribute to Beth. Her leadership will be missed throughout our community.
October 26, 2021 @ 4:46 pm
I have known Beth for many years, through our volunteer work and especially through the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. She was on my Most Admired List. What she gave to Huntsville is immeasurable. What she gave to people was priceless.
I will miss her presence greatly. This I know for sure; her memory will live on because of all the good she has done and because of all the joy and kindness she bestowed on others.
May her memory be a blessing.
October 26, 2021 @ 4:46 pm
What a beautiful tribute to a longtime friend. Deepest condolences to you, her other friends, and her family. Maybe there is Paris in Heaven where she can sip cappuccino’s and visit the sites she so loved!
October 26, 2021 @ 6:41 pm
What a wonderful thought! Let’s hope so!
October 26, 2021 @ 5:11 pm
I heard about Beth’s death yesterday and am so sorry for her family and friends. She and I shared travel tips and stories. I knew she had plans for her new phase of life in her new home
and I wish she’d been able to enjoy that. My condolences to her family.
October 26, 2021 @ 6:39 pm
Beth and I worked together through the VBC/Symphony. She was always encouraging and had a smile! She will be missed
October 26, 2021 @ 6:53 pm
Sorry Linda, Beth seemed to be a very nice lady and good friend.
October 26, 2021 @ 7:57 pm
So sorry for your loss Linda. I did not know Beth but if she was your friend, that made her special. Prayers to all who knew her.
October 26, 2021 @ 9:22 pm
What a beautiful tribute! She was excited for her next “big adventure” living near you and many good friends. Such a force for good in our community. She will be sorely missed.
October 26, 2021 @ 10:53 pm
I just heard the news today. It truly breaks my heart. She was one of the most gracious, positive, loving ladies I’ve ever known. She was a super mom, professional superstar on Redstone Arsenal and steadfast friend and extraordinary civic volunteer. I was amazed at her grace and kindness, I will miss her.
October 27, 2021 @ 12:04 am
Well said, Linda. We are all better for having known Beth. Her genuine warmth, wisdom, and natural leadership have made a difference in Huntsville. I know she was looking forward to moving into your neighborhood.
October 27, 2021 @ 10:12 pm
Beth and I met more than a decade ago during my years at the Symphony and that friendship continued as we worked together in the Guild. Beth’s presence always made me feel like no matter what, everything was going to be alright and that whatever the endeavor, we were doing the right thing if she endorsed it. I admired Beth tremendously; she was a wonderful friend and mentor. Smart, kind, a beautiful spirit and a dynamic leader. I will miss her so incredibly much.
Linda, your tribute is lovely. Thank you for creating a space for those of us that knew and loved Beth to share in her memory. Prayers to all.
October 28, 2021 @ 1:14 am
My heartfelt wishes to you both. It is so sad to to lose such a cherished friend.
October 30, 2021 @ 1:06 am
I am so very sorry for the sudden loss of your dear friend.
Prayers for blessings of comfort and peace for you and everyone who loved her.
Deepest sympathy,
Susan