Beatrice L. Belsey

Beatrice Louise Belsey, who passed away on Thursday, April 18 2024, at the age of 95, will be remembered fondly by those who knew her. She was born in Portland, Oregon on December 31, 1928 to Peter and Joyce (Porter) Pettersen.

Beatrice grew up in the Goose Hollow neighborhood of Portland, with most of her extended family having recently relocated from Minnesota. After her graduation from Commerce High School in 1946, Bea married Jim Belsey in 1947. The following year their son, Garth, was born.

While in her twenties, Bea and a friend explored Europe, where she discovered a love of art, architecture, history, poetry and music.

In 1952, Bea and Jim moved to southern California. There she continued her formal education, earning degrees from Antelope Valley College, San Fernando Valley State College, a teaching certificate, and a certificate from the University of Judaism. She studied the Hebrew language with which she had a lifelong fascination. Bea and Jim eventually parted ways.

In the 1960’s, Bea bought a little cabin on the Nestucca River in Pacific City. There she spent many happy summers with visits from friends and family far and wide. She continued to live in southern California during the winters, some of this time in the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Garth and Brooke.

She attended a little church near Pacific City and became fast friends with the pastor’s wife and family. They were instrumental in helping her to understand God’s word and she became a Christian in her midlife.

In 2007, Bea moved away from California, settling in Pacific City full time. During this time, her darling great-grandchildren were born and she was privileged to interact with them often, as they lived next door to her beach house. She made her final move in 2023 to live with her sister, Pauline, in Beaverton where they shared many memorable moments together. As her health declined, Bea was lovingly assisted by her sister, Pauline, and her niece, JoAnne.

Beatrice is survived by her sister, Pauline Pugh; grandson, Seth Belsey (Moria); great-grandchildren, Azure Rey and Violet Bealoved, and daughter-in-law, Brooke Belsey. She is also survived by nephews, Tom (Phyllis), Larry (Jane), Jim, and Dennis (Joan); nieces, Jennifer, Jolene (Ken), Joyce (Don), JoAnne and Judy; many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Beatrice was preceded in death by her son, Garth Belsey, and former husband, Jim Belsey; brothers, Francis and Phillip Pettersen; sisters, Betty Mae Pettersen and Jeanne Thoreson; as well as her parents, Peter and Joyce Pettersen.

A gathering to remember Bea will be held on Saturday, May 18 at 2 pm at the home of her sister, Pauline. Refreshments will be served.