Barbara Z Beeler

Barbara Zoanne Beeler died on December 17th at Juniper Village in Louisville, Colorado. She was born in Michigan City, Indiana on March 10th, 1935, the 2nd child of Mary and Robert Blocksom., who preceded her in death. Barbara graduated from Isaac C. Elston High School in Michigan City in 1952. In 1956 she graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in primary education. In that same year she married Samuel Beeler. She is survived by her husband of 66 years and three children, Cynthia K. Beeler of Lafayette, Douglas H. Beeler of Broomfield , and Linda M. Beeler of Estes Park; along with four grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Robert Blocksom of Westlake, Ohio.

In 1955-56 Barbara taught school at Ft Carson, Colorado. Following her husband’s discharge from the Army, she embarked on a 66 year “career” as an excellent provider of homes for her growing family. These homes were in Rangely, Colorado; Denver, Colorado; Salt Lake City, Utah; Casper, Wyoming; Perth, Western Australia; New Orleans, Louisiana, London, England; Perth, Western Australia; Duri, Indonesia; Danville, California; London, England; Broomfield, Colorado and Louisville, Colorado. All in all, there were 17 house moves in this period, and she created a home in each instance.

In the late 1980s Barbara earned a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Consciousness Studies at JFK University in California. Wherever she lived, Barbara was active in helping educate people, whether it was teaching English as a second language, substitute teaching, teaching yoga, or tutoring young readers. She also sold World Book encyclopedias in California and worked in real estate in London.

Her second love was singing. While living in Denver she joined a Sweet Adelines chorus, and she really took to barbershop harmony. She carried on with her Sweet Adelines singing in New Orleans, but she really got involved with the organization when she lived in London. There she was instrumental in establishing a chorus and introducing English women to barbershop harmony. The chorus grew and eventually sang on the stage at Royal Albert Hall, The Tower of London, and on BBC Television. Upon moving to Perth, she organized another chorus which again introduced barbershop singing to a group of ladies. In 2018 while visiting Perth she was able to meet with the chorus which is still going strong. Wherever she lived she started barbershop quartets. In Lafayette she sang with the Broadway Boomers at the Rocky Mountain Music School.

During her husband’s second assignment to London, Barbara returned to California to earn her Master’s degree.. It was during that time that she became aware of LGBTQ issues in her local area, particularly involving high school students. She contacted several members of PFLAG-Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays-which led to her establishing the Danville San Ramon Valley chapter of PFLAG. She became active with schools, churches and families along with political groups involving LBGTQ issues. She worked with the Danville Congregational Church as they became open and affirming. She was able to combine this work with her other love-singing as she joined and sang with the church choir for several years.

Barbara always led an active life as mother, hostess, teacher, and singer on top of that community service. In Danville she assisted the local library by reading for the visually impaired. She also volunteered at a local thrift store benefiting mental health advocacy. In Lafayette, she delivered for Meals on Wheels. Prior to the 2012 election she even organized a fund raiser for candidate Obama and Jared Polis made an appearance. She was very open minded and intellectually curious. Once she arranged for an imam from a local Muslim congregation to come to her house and meet with neighbors to educate and begin to close the gap in ideologies.

In late 2018 she was diagnosed dementia with Lewy Bodies, a Parkinsonian related disease for which there is no cure. Throughout the remaining years of her life, she remained as active as possible keeping her friendly disposition and inquisitive mind in action. She rests in peace knowing that she left behind a wide circle of friends both locally and around the world and that her legacy will carry on with her beloved family.

Contributions in Barbara’s memory can be made to TRU Community Care; 2594 Trailridge Drive East; Lafayette, CO 80026. A Celebration Of Life for Barbara is pending.