Marie Beaver

Marie Beaver (née Bocchieri) age 90, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Monday, July 24th. Marie was raised in a faith-filled home, growing up to be strong in her Christian beliefs, trusting God in every circumstance. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and great aunt who loved her family with all of her being. She was a trusted friend to many and mighty prayer warrior for all.

Marie was born in Cleveland, Ohio on May 20, 1933. Growing up in Collinwood, she attended school until forced to leave and support the family business. She would later go on to earn her GED and attend John Carroll University where she studied Communications. She was a mentor to other students in her class and respected by teachers for the life experience she brought to the classroom discussions. She held a variety of roles throughout her life, including music teacher at Geauga Christian School, disc jockey for WCVJ, parade Marshall for Willoughby Hills Community Days, Curves Circuit Trainer, display manager and Wedding Connection coordinator at Rainbow Family Bookstore and Prize Cook winner featured twice on channel 8.

Marie served as a Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher and Women’s Ministries President at Calvary Assembly of God Church for years. She was a Bible Quiz Team Coach and Bible teacher for college and career group at church. Together with her husband, she served as Ministry Coordinator at Morning Star Friends Church in Willoughby Hills, Ohio. Marie was a ‘Titus Woman’ during her years supporting Mastering Motherhood at Willoughby Hills Friends Church, lending spiritual support and encouragement to others.

Marie grew up in a musical family, dominating the piano since she was three years old. She started playing in church at age nine, a ministry that would go on for decades. She accompanied the church choir, cantatas, retreats and orchestra, in addition to playing for weddings and special events. She also enjoyed ‘jam sessions’ with her brother who played the clarinet and sax which often resulted in sing-a-longs. 

Marie was a gifted poet, writing hundreds of poems inspired by God and life. She loved cheering her children and grandchildren on in sports, often encouraging referees to obtain optic support when she saw calls differently.  She was a softball coach, Cub Scout Leader and Football mom from 1968 – 1975. Marie had a feisty wit and loved to have fun. She was a prankster at times, she loved to celebrate life and people.

Marie is survived by her children Kathi Barth (Russ), David L. Beaver III (Dorene), Donald Beaver, Douglas Beaver (Darleen), and Kristen “Kip” Sanford (Mike); grandchildren Zack Barton (Alicia), Tiffany Halverstadt (Tim), Sarah Barth, and Mona Shoby (Michael), David L. Beaver IV (Brittany), Dana Naudain (Jared), Michelle Kibler (Jeremy), Mark Beaver (Sarah), Lauren Scarinzi (Kyle), Kelly Sanford (Deceased) and David Sanford, Kahla Barth and Lindsey Shoby; and 14 1/2 great-grandchildren who knew her as “GiGi”.  Marie was preceded in death by the love of her life for 70 years, David Beaver, her parents Salvatore Emanuel Bocchieri and Josephine (née Mucci) Bocchieri; siblings Nellie Mastrobuono (Robert), Edith Stetz (John), John Bocchieri (Mary); and several great grandbabies.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Marie’s name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to support Marie’s great-granddaughter Cora Kathleen Beaver and others with CF in the fight for a cure by clicking HERE

Marie’s Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023 at 3pm at Willoughby Hills Friends Church, 2846 SOM Center Road in Willoughby Hills. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Marie at The Church Immediately Following the Service. PRIVATE FAMILY BURIAL. Arrangements by DeJohn Flynn Mylott Funeral Homes of Willoughby Hills.