Carol Bee
“Carol Meyn Beese, age 93, of Edina, MN, formerly of Barrington, IL, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2024. Preceded in death by her parents Rudy and Lucile Meyn, and husband Ronald E. Beese, she is survived by her loving sister Suzanne Froberg, daughter Lorena Beese (Homme Hellinga) of Durham, NC, son Mark Beese (Karen) of Edina, MN, and grandchildren Carolyn Brewster (Danny), Kristin Gorge (Alec), Lauren Beese, and Robert Hellinga.
Carol was born on December 17, 1930, in Maywood, IL. She attended Proviso High School, DePauw University and Notre Dame University. She married Ron Beese on February 13, 1954, the love of her life. They moved to Barrington, IL in 1956 to begin their family.
Carol Beese was devoted to her family, bringing them together from across the country for singing, stories, and laughter every holiday season. Carol loved music, chocolate, the color red, leading adventures abroad, and family expeditions to National Parks. She brought joy with her wherever she went. She had a remarkable talent for knowing exactly what to say to make someone feel welcome, appreciated, and loved.
Carol also was devoted to her community in Barrington, Illinois. For 57 years she served on boards for numerous organizations including the Buehler YMCA, William Rainey Harper College, Family Service of South Lake County, the Council on Aging, Barrington Area Arts Council, Barrington Park District, First Federal of Barrington, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Barrington school district 220, and the Barrington Volunteer Bureau. Carol was also a beloved active member of the Barrington United Methodist church and Rotary Club. One of her biggest passions was shaping the development of Ron Beese Park, an 80 acre Barrington park named in honor of her late husband.
Carol acted as a role model paving the way for women looking to make a difference professionally in business and community service. She became the President and Executive Director of the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce and was one of the pioneering women in this field, at local, state and national levels. For 32 years, she guided the growth of the Barrington Chamber from 50 to 760 business and professional members. She was a director of the Illinois State Chamber, served on the Board of Regents for the U.S. Chamber Institute, and was a member of the U.S Chamber of Commerce Advisory Committee. In 1995 Carol was named Illinois chamber executive of the year. Upon her retirement, the Governor of the State of Illinois proclaimed December 8, 2000, to be CAROL BEESE DAY in Illinois. She received the Illinois Woman of Achievement Award in 2001.
Post-retirement Carol continued to be active in the community, serving on advisory boards and volunteering for Rotary projects. Carol moved to Edina, Minnesota in 2016 to be closer to family.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at Meetinghouse Church, 6200 Colonial Way, Edina, MN, Wednesday, June 26, 11 am.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Carol Meyn Beese please visit our Sympathy Store.”
Washburn-McReavy Funeral Home
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