Beth Marie Barnard

" Love your neighbor as yourself. "

Beth Marie Barnard, 68, entered eternal rest, on September 24, 2025, at her home in Cold Spring, Minnesota, after a long illness. She was comforted by her family in her final moments. Beth was born on April 20, 1957, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Merrill and Lois (Schneider) Barnard. She was one of eight children and a longtime resident of Aurora, Ohio. Beth has been reunited in passing with her parents, her sister Patricia, two nephews; Lucas and Thomas, and her former husband, Kenneth J. Shea II.

Raised in an affluent community, Beth was nonetheless down-to-earth and treated everyone with equal respect. A quality she may have developed sharing a home with seven siblings and dedicated hardworking parents. Beth held a steadfast belief in forgiveness and hope, a conviction nourished by her Catholic background. She had an open heart for people and a short memory for grudges.

Beth possessed a remarkable inner fortitude. She had the kind of strength that enabled her to face and overcome what others found impossible. Her concern for others, even during her darkest times, was a testament to her deep compassion and character. Beth had a special ability to uplift people despite her own struggles. She viewed people with grace, believing that they were far greater than a sum of their worst moments.

With her powerful presence and radiant beauty, Beth possessed a loving, creative, fun, daring, strong-willed and optimistic spirit. Her boundless energy was matched only by her family-oriented and patriotic heart. Beth's fondness for the Fourth of July, a day she celebrated with festive excitement, likely came from her father, a former sergeant in the US Army.

Beth was a member of a local Catholic Church and had a wide array of interests. She enjoyed gardening, family, food, friends, humor, art, music, nature, birds, and butterflies. A true connoisseur, Beth had a refined taste in paintings, fashion, home decor, antiques, and cars. Her many talents included fine art, along with success in fashion and modeling, as well as the worlds of hospitality and real estate. Her greatest joy, however, was found in being a homemaker. She expressed her affection through the preparation of homemade cakes, decorated with fresh flowers and other artistic touches for family get-togethers. Cherishing her relationships, Beth rarely missed an opportunity to be with the people she loved.

Beth's love for her children and grandchildren was unwavering; she saw them as her greatest blessings. She was incredibly proud of her two adult children, whose dedication as doctors required great personal sacrifice to serve others. The profound love she felt for her grandchildren inspired a major change; she relocated to a new state just to be near them. The happiness from their time together remained with her for days. Even near the end of her life, she was delighted by visits from her son and grandchildren, and she lovingly spoke of their neat qualities long after they had left. Beth's sparkling humor also brought many smiles to her loved ones. She looked back fondly on her own upbringing in a large family, describing it as an exciting time.

*Beth shared a poem that spoke to her warm heart and affinity for people and connection.

Friendship

I don't desire gifts nor flowers.
I just want to spend my hours
Being close to you

I don't need words of wisdom
Nor intellectual stimulation.
I just need those warm vibrations
from your shining smile and caring eyes.

So just give me love
and hold me close.
That is what I love the most
About being your friend.

And I'll try to do the same,
Bring you more pleasure than pain.
But through both sunshine and rain,
Know that: I love you.

Beth is survived by her two children, Kenneth J. Shea III and Katherine (Kate) Shea; her grandchildren; Eleanor Shea and Oscar Shea; and six siblings; Michael, Catherine, Jennifer, Matthew, Ann, and Tom. She also leaves behind many other family members and friends who will miss her dearly. We will forever remember Beth for the life and laughter she shared, as there will truly never be another like her.

The family extends its heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Hilary Ufearo for his substantial support, patience, kindness and compassionate care during a challenging time for Beth. His presence was a great comfort, and a welcome reminder that exceptional doctors are a rare blessing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School in Minnesota, to support her grandchildren's education.

Link to donation:

https://ccsprek12.org/donate-sjcs