Barbara J. Beacham

Barbara J. Beacham, age 78, of Munising, died Tuesday morning, July 23, 2024 at her home following a lengthy illness and under the loving care of her family and North Woods Hospice. Barb was born on May 24, 1946 in South Haven, Michigan to Joseph and Sophie (Moroz) Grochowski. She graduated from L.C. Mohr High School in 1964. Barb earned her associate’s degree from Great Lakes Community College. She worked as the purchasing agent for South Haven Hospital for twenty years. Barb married Gerald “Jack” Beacham in November of 1971 in South Haven. They moved to Munising and she worked at Camp Cusino and Alger Max as their purchasing agent for eighteen years. After retiring from the State of Michigan Corrections Department, Barb went to work for Huntington Bank. Barb enjoyed traveling, taking trips to the casino, spending time with her traveling buddy, Evonne McFarlin, spending time with her family, and loving her cat, Mittens. 

 Barb is survived by her daughter – Susan Hildebrandt of Munising; stepdaughter – Sandy Harvey; stepson – Larry Beacham; grandchildren – Joseph (Kendal Syers) Parkkila, Amy Rivera, Aaron Janosky, Laura Beacham; great-granddaughter – Aliya Rivera; brothers – Joseph (Ellen) Grochowski and Edward Walle; and sister – Katherine Hauck. She was preceded in death by her son Joseph William Hildebrandt, husband Jack Beacham in 2007, father Joseph Grochowski, mother Sophie Walle, and sister Patricia Pugh.

 Barb wanted her appreciation known for all of the family and friends who were so kind and helpful in her time of need. 

 A memorial gathering and time of visiting with family and friends will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising on Sunday, July 28, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising.

 Memorials in Barb’s name are suggested to be made to the Alger Parks and Recreation program.