Mary Barbara Beshara's Obituary
Mary Beshara Obituary
Mary Barbara Beshara, age 94, of Tulsa Oklahoma, peacefully entered eternity surrounded by the love of her family on February 29, 2024.
She was preceded in death by her parents George and Pauline Karleskint; her in-laws, Said and Aneesa Beshara; her siblings Agnes, George, and Albert; and her daughter, Sandra Kay Loerch.
She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Joseph Beshara; her children: Gerard (April) Beshara; Cynthia Beshara; Bruce (Anne) Beshara; (John Loerch); Barbara (Michael) Letney; and Alisa (Tom) McCay.
She is survived by her 13 grandchildren: Angela (Bryon) Schotton; Jennifer (Michael) Tupper; Andrea (Matthew) Curtis; Diane (Mondo) Sauceda; Natalie Loerch; Douglas (Iris) Beshara; Michael (Stephanie) Letney; Melissa (Josh) Woodward; Melodie (Casey) Wann; Chelsea McCay-Bachtiar (Elmer); Daniel (Emily) McCay; Lauren McCay; Madeline McCay.
She is further survived by 20 great-grandchildren: Elijah and Sofia Beshara; Ben, Karsyn, and Kennedy Tupper; Ella and Ethan Scoville; Ashton, Hunter and Grayson Curtis; Abigal, Ruth, Asher, and Samuel Letney; Caleb and Luke Woodward; Isabella Sauceda; Phoenix and Hazel Wann; Frances McCay.
Mary Barbara Beshara was born in Miami Oklahoma on February 24, 1930 to George and Pauline (Heembrock) Karleskint. Barbara's parents, both of full German heritage, owned and operated a thriving bakery in Miami for many years. Her grandfather served in the Civil War at the age of 17, driving horse-drawn supply wagons for the Union Army.
Tragically, Barbara's mother passed away from illness shortly before her sixth birthday. Soon after, her father, George, was diagnosed with cancer and sought treatment at the renowned Mayo Clinic out of state. This illness made providing care for Barbara and her two brothers, George and Albert, difficult. As a result, both boys were sent to Father Flanagan's Boys Town for their upbringing.
Barbara then lived with her aunt and uncle on the Fort Scott Karleskint family farm then later attended the St Francis Academy - an all-girls boarding school in Nevada Missouri. While in high school, at the age of 15, her papa died from his lengthy illness. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, she dedicated herself to her studies, graduating a year early at the age of 16. This dedication propelled her further, earning a degree in Social Studies from Ursuline College in Paola, Kansas.
In the summer of 1947, Barbara first met Joe, who was captivated by her beauty in the crowded Crystal City swimming pool in West Tulsa. Their connection blossomed quickly, leading to dates and Joe escorting Barbara to her senior prom. Following graduation, Barbara moved to Tulsa and secured a secretarial position at Graybar Electric. This new job placed her conveniently close to Joe, who still resided with his parents in the family home known as "Sito's House".
On November 25th, 1950, Barbara and Joe were married at St. Frances Xavier Church in Tulsa. Barbara embraced her new role as a dedicated mother and homemaker. The young couple, aided by Barbara's inheritance, built their life together, starting with a cozy two-bedroom home in Tulsa. As their family blossomed to ultimately six children, they settled near St. Pius X Church, then a converted barn nestled within a hayfield. This vibrant parish became their new spiritual home. Their eldest children attended the newly built parish school just a block away. They benefitted from Barbara's support, where she would volunteer in the cafeteria and as the homeroom mom.
Barbara, an avid reader, also enjoyed sewing and creating new dresses for her daughters. Additionally, she cherished spending time with her grandchildren, engaging in needlework together. Barbara also had a love for gardening, particularly finding joy in the company of flowers that attracted hummingbirds.
Joe and Barbara embraced their golden years as snowbirds, spending winters on Daytona Beach. Summers revolved around their beloved Grand Lake home, a place that became a central hub for their children and grandchildren to gather and create lasting memories. Beyond their cherished lake house, Barbara also had a passion for travel with Joe and close friends, especially cruises that included Mexico, Alaska, European rivers, and the Caribbean and Hawaiian Islands.
As Barbara, our beloved Mimi, entered her later years, Joe, alongside the unwavering support of their entire family, took on the role of her primary caregiver. She was, without a doubt, the sweetest, most cherished Mimi anyone could ask for.
A German idiom, often exclaimed by our Mimi throughout her later years, was "Ach du Himmel," which translates to "Oh, my Heavens!" One can only imagine how frequently her Papa must have uttered this phrase towards his rambunctious young children for it to be so deeply ingrained in her memory, and now, ours.
Angels Hospice along with Catholic Charities Porta Caeli House were a godsend in providing care in her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations to in memory of Mary Barbara Beshara would be appreciated. A private family service will be held with Bixby-South Tulsa Funeral service later this month.
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