Barbara Jean Beebe, 80, of Endicott, NY died peacefully on Sunday, May 7, 2023 at Vestal Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center with her devoted daughter, Helen, at her side. Barb was predeceased by her husband, Ray Beebe, her sons: Jimmy and Bruce; her infant grandson: Justin Beebe: her parents: Ted and Bessie Eck, her sisters: Peggy Depew, Dottie Phelps, Mary Peters Kinney; her brothers: Ted, Bernie, and Joe Eck. Barb was born and raised in Endicott, NY. After graduating from Seton High School in 1960, she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at McGuire Air Force Base in NJ, where she was a Passenger Service Specialist. Barb met her future husband, Ray Beebe, at McGuire and they were married there on January 4, 1964. Due to Air Force protocol at the time, she received an Honorary Discharge when they started their family. Time in the military afforded them the opportunity to travel with their five children to many countries, including two tours in Incirlik A.F.B. Turkey making lifelong friendships along the way. After Ray retired, they moved back to Endicott where Barb was employed in the Hospice Unit of Lourdes Hospital and later in the geriatric department there. Barb and her husband were a good team; he did the driving, she did the talking & talking & talking! Barb spent her life in service of others. Becoming the first female Commander of Post 1700 was an acknowledgment of her dedication to Veteran affairs. She held the position for four-plus years and then went on to become Broome County Commander. She belonged to the Honor Guard and also worked closely with local officials. Her devotion to Veterans expanded to Canadian Vets in the “Hands Across the Border” initiative which celebrates friendly relations between the U.S. and Canada. Behind the scenes, Barb spent many hours assembling hundreds of red poppies for Memorial Day. She also was a loyal supporter of Legion Baseball. In addition, Barb delivered meals for Meals on Wheels of Western Broome for more than 15 years and served on the Board for a term. She was a Eucharistic Minister and Lector at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Barb was woman of faith who loved her family, her church, and her country. She will be greatly missed. A special thank you is extended to the staff, nurses, CNA’s and administration at Vestal Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their loving support and care. Barb is survived by her daughter, Helen, and daughter in-law, Jennifer Mason; sons: Joe and Gary Beebe; daughters-in-law Tammy Gagnon-Beebe and Cynthia Ellis Beebe Jones; grandchildren: Sarah and Jessica Eaton, Nicholas, Thomas, Jimmy, Joey, Kloe, Phillip, and Natalie Beebe; Noelani Mason; great grandchildren: Chase and Madeline Croop; several nieces and nephews and her sister, Betty Rando.
A Funeral Mass  will be held Thursday at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 701 West Main Street, Endicott. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends on Thursday at church from 9:30 am until Mass time at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, Vestal Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center or Lourdes Hospice.