Our Beth

Beth possessed a smile that could illuminate any room, but its warmth was most profound when directed at you. Funny, generous, loyal, and true, her deep appreciation for family, the arts, and exploration resonated deeply with those around her, leaving a legacy of love and vibrant spirit.

On May 10, 2006, Beth was diagnosed with stage 3 Glioblastoma and would leave us the following April. The last 352 days of her life were filled with surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, yet through it all, Beth’s light shone bright. She was surrounded and supported by her family and lifelong friends, whose bonds proved strong and loyal during the highs and lows.

On April 27, 2007, Beth lost her battle with cancer, holding the hands of her husband Kai and two children, Zach and Lina. Beth left behind seven brothers and sisters, more than 18 nieces and nephews, her mother Mary Ann, and countless friends and colleagues. The loss deeply impacted each of us.

It is through the love and loss that we honor our dear Beth, our Bethly Pooh, and work to help others impacted by cancer.

From Beth’s big brother, Steve

My sister Beth and I were born 15 months apart. While we were growing up we were as much friends as we were siblings. As we got older we found ourselves on different sides of all the important issues: Republican – Democrat, Yankees – Mets, and of course, Coke – Pepsi. Rather than divide us, these differences merely served to define and strengthen our relationship; ying and yang.

Beth and I were both very active in our church youth group during our high school years, where we had many friends in common. One of those friends, Tom Lankston I believe, gave Beth the nickname “Bethly–Pooh,” which we later shortened to Bethly. It is that nickname that captures Beth’s fun–loving nature more than anything else one could say. I am sure that Bethly wouldn’t mind that we are all sad today, but she would want us to have some fun too. So let’s mix some laughter with our tears as we think of her today.

After high school, we each chose different colleges, which separated us physically, but not emotionally. Later Beth packed her things and moved to New York, where she almost discovered the great game of baseball, settling instead to become a Mets fan. I have always maintained that her attraction to the Mets was based on the fact that she thought Keith Hernandez was cute!

Her more important discovery in New York was a certain young German named Kai Buech. By all accounts, it was love at first sight, the kind of thing that only happens in the movies. It was at this point in her life that Beth made two decisions that were critical to her entire life. First, she followed Kai to Germany, with 1 suitcase and almost no knowledge of German language or culture. Second, she married him without ever introducing him to any of her family. The first decision was based on passion and love. The second was just plain smart. As many of you know, big families can be complicated. I’ll never know for sure, but she may have told Kai she was an only child!

Soon after they moved back to the US with Zachary, Lina was born, and our family became richer with them all included. Zach and Lina, always remember: come home safe, do your personal best, your mother loves you.

We could never describe what Beth meant to us and the moments that touched our lives, but these words and phrases paint such vivid memories.

– Godspell
– Joseph St. Meinrad
– King’s Island
– New York
– Germany
– Marcy Village
– Mimosas
– Red Wine
– Mets
– Colts
– John Denver
– Bruce Springsteen
– levitation
– Saints
– Fuzdim
– Gollywompus
– Woo-yee hot ham & cheese
– The Lake Volleyball
– Ydna, Ydna chop the wood Ydna

Beth always had a special relationship with our Grandma Riley. She and Tressee were alike in many ways. Grandma was a grand old lady. I am sure that, given time, Beth would have been one as well.

In November 2024, Beth’s granddaughter, Liliana Nicole, was born. While she was never able to hold her, through her daughter Lina, Beth’s spirit, loyalty, and love live on.

– SMYL – St. Matthew’s Youth Liturgy
– Spec
– Bell Choir
– The Rose
– The Cousins from Ohio
– Euchre
– Canasta
– New Year’s Day
– Christmas Eve
– Long Islands
– Floating Island
– Harry Chapin
– Pepsi