Early the morning of August 24, 2023, Patricia Beaulieu, age 70, passed peacefully at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. In July, she had been diagnosed with stage 4 endometrial cancer that had spread to nearby lymph nodes and her lungs.

Pat was born December 31, 1952 in Boston, MA to Rita Marie Arsenault Beaulieu and Phillip Beaulieu. Her mother, Rita, was later remarried to Jerry Bellerose and the family eventually moved to South Bend, IN and then to Peotone, IL before moving to Effingham, IL when Pat was in junior high. She graduated with an associate degree in English from Lake Land Community College and started working at Eastern Illinois University in the mid 70’s. She worked in Booth Library and in the International Student Office. She worked the longest though in the Chemistry Dept. She retired after 34 years at EIU.

After she retired, Pat enjoyed volunteering with the Charleston High School Marching Trojans, which her grandsons Josh & Sam were a part of and travelling to their competitions. She had always been a crafter and enjoyed cross stitch, paper crafting, and making beautiful fabric ornaments. She loved to read and loved all things British, especially Doctor Who which her passion for was passed on to her grandson Josh and had several friends across the pond whom she exchanged ornaments and cards with. She had dreamed of visiting England, Scotland, and Ireland. She loved a cuppa on a cold evening. She was a member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha – Illinois State Council and Epsilon Sigma Alpha – Beta Mu Community Chapter in Charleston, Illinois and enjoyed the friendships she made there and the service projects she participated in, mainly raising money for St Jude.

Before her went her mother, Rita Marie Beaulieu Bellerose, and her sister, Dianne Beaulieu. She is survived by her daughter Kristina (Larry) Keck, grandsons Joshua Keck and Samuel Keck, granddaughters Nicole Keck and Danielle Keck, great-grandson Zamarion, great-granddaughter Olivia, niece Jordanne Beaulieu, and nephew James Toensing.  Per her request, there will be no services. A celebration gathering at a later date will be arranged. Pat was a registered organ donor, but chemo prevented her organs from being donated. However, her corneas will be donated by Gift of Hope and a blood and tissue sample will also be taken for a research study.

Her family and friends will always remember all the good times we had with her and take comfort that she’s at peace with no more pain.

Arrangements are being handled by Central Cremation Center, Forsyth, Illinois.