Beatrice McBride

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Beatrice McBride

November 11,1942 ~ March 26,2025

Beatriz, “Reina,” or Bea McBride was born on November 11, 1942 in Mt. Harris, Colorado to Mary and Isidro Arroyo. Bea attended Mt. Harris Elementary School and Steamboat Springs High School. After graduation she worked for Pacific Bell in Van Nuys, California as an information operator and later transferred to Arlington, Texas.

She was married and divorced in Texas before moving back to Steamboat Springs in 1972 with her two daughters Michele and Charlotte. 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, and in 1975 they married in the Holy Name Catholic Church before moving for Sam’s engineering job to Chula Vista, California, and then to Bellingham, Washington, 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 of the Child Jesus Catholic Church in Midvale.

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” and “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.

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 16 from 6–8 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin on Saturday, May 17, at 10:30 a.m. followed by the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 9757 South 1700 East, Sandy. Luncheon will follow in the social hall. Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. that day at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy.