Beatrice C. McBride

On November 11, 1942 in the mining town of Mt. Harris, CO, Mary and Isidro Arroyo had their only girl, Beatriz, “Reina,” or Bea. As the third of six children she learned how to play football, baseball, Olly Olly Oxen Free, hopscotch, marbles, and boxing. Isidro taught all of his children how to box in their front yard. Bea donned boxing gloves and would go at it with her brothers and neighborhood kids. She spent her winters sledding and ice skating, followed by swimming and playing in the Yampa river during the summers. Mary and Isidro—through their examples as housewife and coal miner raising six children—taught Bea how to work hard, persevere, and not complain.

She enjoyed the best homemade tortillas, rice, and beans prepared by her mother who was named Routt County Mother of the Year in 1971. Bea mastered her education of reading, writing, and arithmetic at Mt. Harris Elementary School where she was a cheerleader and spelling bee champion. In 1958 the Arroyos moved to Steamboat Springs, CO where Bea graduated from high school in 1961 and was a member of the student council, the concert band, the French club, the drama club, the girls athletic association, and a cheerleader. After graduation she lived with family in California and attended the Airlines School of the Pacific in Santa Monica, CA. She worked a whole week as a reservationist before getting lost in the fog and quitting to go work for Pacific Bell in Van Nuys, CA as an information operator. She later transferred to Arlington, TX where—in her own words—she made the biggest mistake of her life, but she did get two good products out of him, her girls, Michele and Charlotte.

She was married and divorced in Texas before moving back to Steamboat Springs in 1972 with her two daughters. As a single mother she raised her girls, with the support of her parents, while working as secretary to the Routt County District Judge. She reunited with a former Steamboat Springs High School classmate, Sam McBride. They married in 1975 in the Holy Name Catholic Church before moving for Sam’s engineering job to Chula Vista, CA, and then to Bellingham, WA where their son, Sammy was born. They ended up in Salt Lake City where they made their home for the rest of their lives, supporting and loving all three of their children unconditionally. Bea cherished her Catholic faith and enjoyed working for two decades as the director of religious education at St. Therese Catholic Church in Midvale. She had more fun with “the little old ladies” at church. Her legendary smile was always on display. She embodied joy which her children and grandchildren were especially blessed to orbit. They savored her cooking, including her chile verde, enchiladas, and homemade family salsa learned from her mother and carried forward to the next generation through her son-in-law, John, who documented the recipe and took instruction well. Her love of jokes on April Fool’s Day—or not—was contagious. One of her final pranks was played on John giving her huge giggles: She had Charlotte move John’s car after a dentist appointment so she could sit and watch him search for it with a numb face. Family time was her greatest joy whether through meals, games, television, or sports watching (go Rockies and Broncos). She supported her four grandchildren generously in their education, activities, and independent lives. She believed in making the best of your circumstances and that you had to laugh in this world, otherwise you’ll just be miserable. Two of her last quotes were “Don’t cry. Don’t be sad. I’m not sad. We’re all going to die. We need to be happy we live as long as we do.” “We’re meant to enjoy life and help each other out. That’s what it’s all about.” She was a fervent believer in unions and voting Democrat. She did not believe in valuing money over people and would give whatever she had to someone else in need. Her family hopes to carry on her enjoyment of life, good humor, and ability to help others.

Bea is survived by her daughters, Michele Kagan, and Charlotte Oliver (John); son, Samuel McBride, Jr.; her grandchildren, Ollie Schindler, Paul and Mary Oliver, and Alex McBride; her brothers, Isidro Arroyo Jr. (Carolyn) and Mike Arroyo (Janet). She is preceded in death by her husband, Sam; her parents, Mary and Isidro Arroyo; her brothers, Guadalupe, Alfonso, and Jose Arroyo.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 16th from 6:00–8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S 900 E, Millcreek, Utah. A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin on Saturday, May 17th, at 10:30 AM followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Church, 9757 S 1700 E, Sandy, Utah. Luncheon will follow in the social hall. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, Utah, also on Saturday. Bea wanted people to wear cheerful colors to her services, so feel free to refrain from “sad” colors, as she would say. In honor of Bea’s beautiful spirit, we invite you to carry her light forward by sharing a laugh, offering kindness to someone, or making a donation to a liberal or progressive organization that helps and supports others.