Obituary for Marilyn Beddor
Beddor, Marilyn Loving mother and wife, devout Catholic, loyal and gracious friend, died peacefully on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2020, at home, surrounded by her family. She was 86 years old. Born in Minneapolis, the only child of George Branchaud and Alice Duggan Branchaud, Marilyn was blessed to share her life with Frank Beddor Jr., her husband of 50 years, and their four children, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many friends and extended family members. Marilyn resided in Naples, Florida, and she loved spending her summers with family on Christmas Lake, in Minnesota. Marilyn was a graduate of the Academy of Holy Angels in Minneapolis, and St. Catherine University in St. Paul. Following college, she worked in fashion advertising for Dayton's Department Store in downtown Minneapolis, where her intuitive sense of design and beauty - which she later cultivated by educating herself in the arts - first became widely apparent. She married Frank Beddor on June 29th, 1957, after he declared his love for her on a huge billboard in downtown Minneapolis. Devoted to her husband and children, Marilyn always took a leading part in the family's active lifestyle - whether it was a genial game of tennis, a spirited but loving competition in downhill skiing, or a thrill- seeking afternoon skydiving. During the family's years of autocross racing, she was a perennial top-ten performer at Brainerd International Raceway, and her lead foot became legendary among her children's classmates. How cool, to have a mom who drove so fast! Elegant: the one word most often used to describe Marilyn. But with her elegance came a strong will and an endearing, compassionate nature. She was a woman unafraid to speak her mind, committed to causes important to her, and for whom faith was paramount. An ardent supporter of Habitat for Humanity, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Marilyn received the Papal title, Dame of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, an honor given to exemplary Catholics for their selfless work on behalf of church and country. Marilyn's appreciation for people, for the wealth and wisdom that came from open-heartedly mingling with folks of various temperaments and backgrounds, was crucial to the success of the Beddor family's printing conglomerate. As co-owner and partner with her husband, she infused the business' artistic, health, and social spheres with her grace and sensitivity. Throughout her life, Marilyn had a passion for adventure and an infectious enthusiasm for different cultures. She traveled widely throughout the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, visiting India, one of her favorites, six times and immersing herself in the day-to-day of its far- flung villages and cities. Nothing made her happier than sharing such enriching experiences with family and friends. As the possessor of an exquisite, gentle, kind, loyal, and loving heart, Marilyn will be deeply missed. Her family celebrates the example she set, the love she shared, and the spirit of grace, dedication, and faith she leaves behind. Preceded in death by her husband and parents, Marilyn's life, legacy, and influence are celebrated by her loving daughter, Michelle of Chanhassen; son Frank Beddor III of Los Angeles and his children Luc and Ava; son Steven (Gail Dorn) of Chanhassen and their children Paige, (great-granddaughter Vada), Paris (great-granddaughter Frankie and great-grandson West), Elliot, Josie, and Sarah; son David (Robin) of Chanhassen and their children Cassie and Zachary. Marilyn is also survived by 36 nieces and nephews and many longtime friends. Mass of Christian Burial Fri. Feb. 21, 2020 at 11:30am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 680 Mill St., Excelsior. Visitation Thurs. 4-7pm also at St. John the Baptist Church (in the gathering space) and also one hour prior to service on Friday. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Shorewood. Memorial contributions may be made to Sharing and Caring Hands in Minneapolis or Habitat for Humanity in Naples. Huber Funeral & Cremation Services Excelsior Chapel 952-474-9595 huberfunerals.com
From Michelle: “Along with her abundance of beauty, style and grace, Mom possessed great warmth, strength and humor. She was a strong role model of femininity for me. She loved a good story and a witty delivery. It was fun to make her laugh.”
From Gail: “Marilyn appreciated art, handicrafts, and the talent of the people who created beautiful things. She was a wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and neighbor.”
From Steve: “My mom knew how to keenly listen to people. A lost art. She could draw out details and facts and stories from even quiet and introverted people, and she retained details for decades.”
From Elliot: "Marilyn Beddor was a calm and loving grandmother who also had an appetite for adventure. I will always remember her stories describing the thrill of travel."
From Paris: “My grandmother was a woman of love, faith, and strength. She taught me that no matter what I’m going through, to always keep my head up and my heart open. I am forever grateful to have known her and to have been loved by her. I am lucky and honored to have had the privilege of calling her Nani. She will forever be missed.”
From Frank: “Mom was a woman of the world—a person who traveled to distant lands and brought them back with her. She filled our home with the places she’d been, and our imaginations with her stories abroad. I will remember her as a mother who brought the world to us, sharing her life/dreams beyond the borders of Minnesota.”
From Luc: “I am so glad to have many memories of my grandmother. I’m going to miss her so much. She had such a great life and did so many amazing things. I hope she knew how much I loved her, and how much better of a life I will have because of her. I will see you in the next life, Nani. I love you to the end of the universe and back.”
From Ava: "Nani was a bright light. She encouraged and guided me in the right direction. She's been such a big part of my life, I'm so grateful. She was truly the best grandma ever!"
From David: “Mom was remarkably gentle, loving, understanding and forgiving. As a mother, she gave of herself wholeheartedly. She was always there, always willing to listen and show an interest. We are so blessed the kids were close to her and could be influenced by her example- especially her unwavering faith.”
From Robin: "I admired Marilyn's quiet determination. Whether getting just the right flowers each spring when we went to the farmers’ market or, of late, being present for others even on days when she didn't feel well. She lived a determined, yet graceful life. Her legacy of love for life and family is a blessing that will linger in my heart."
From Cassie: “I adored Nani. Her generosity, enthusiasm, and compassion for others will always inspire me. She is my role model.”
From Zachary: “Nani was kind, sweet, loving, caring and made me super happy. I will always remember our visits to see her in Naples. I am so glad that she was my Grandma. I could not ask for anything else. I love you very much Nani.”
From Michelle: “Along with her abundance of beauty, style and grace, Mom possessed great warmth, strength and humor. She was a strong role model of femininity for me. She loved a good story and a witty delivery. It was fun to make her laugh.”
From Gail: “Marilyn appreciated art, handicrafts, and the talent of the people who created beautiful things. She was a wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and neighbor.”
From Steve: “My mom knew how to keenly listen to people. A lost art. She could draw out details and facts and stories from even quiet and introverted people, and she retained details for decades.”
From Elliot: "Marilyn Beddor was a calm and loving grandmother who also had an appetite for adventure. I will always remember her stories describing the thrill of travel."
From Paris: “My grandmother was a woman of love, faith, and strength. She taught me that no matter what I’m going through, to always keep my head up and my heart open. I am forever grateful to have known her and to have been loved by her. I am lucky and honored to have had the privilege of calling her Nani. She will forever be missed.”
From Frank: “Mom was a woman of the world—a person who traveled to distant lands and brought them back with her. She filled our home with the places she’d been, and our imaginations with her stories abroad. I will remember her as a mother who brought the world to us, sharing her life/dreams beyond the borders of Minnesota.”
From Luc: “I am so glad to have many memories of my grandmother. I’m going to miss her so much. She had such a great life and did so many amazing things. I hope she knew how much I loved her, and how much better of a life I will have because of her. I will see you in the next life, Nani. I love you to the end of the universe and back.”
From Ava: "Nani was a bright light. She encouraged and guided me in the right direction. She's been such a big part of my life, I'm so grateful. She was truly the best grandma ever!"
From David: “Mom was remarkably gentle, loving, understanding and forgiving. As a mother, she gave of herself wholeheartedly. She was always there, always willing to listen and show an interest. We are so blessed the kids were close to her and could be influenced by her example- especially her unwavering faith.”
From Robin: "I admired Marilyn's quiet determination. Whether getting just the right flowers each spring when we went to the farmers’ market or, of late, being present for others even on days when she didn't feel well. She lived a determined, yet graceful life. Her legacy of love for life and family is a blessing that will linger in my heart."
From Cassie: “I adored Nani. Her generosity, enthusiasm, and compassion for others will always inspire me. She is my role model.”
From Zachary: “Nani was kind, sweet, loving, caring and made me super happy. I will always remember our visits to see her in Naples. I am so glad that she was my Grandma. I could not ask for anything else. I love you very much Nani.”