Elizabeth Muir Behm

Mrs. Elizabeth "Beth" Muir Behm, 89 of Coronado Island, died peacefully at home on Monday, May 16th after a lengthy battle with cancer. Her loving husband of 66 years, Retired Naval Captain Edward W. Behm was by her side. She is also survived by their two daughters, Joanne Behm (Bill Severson) of Narberth, PA and Cynthia (Stephen R) Broadhead of Laguna Niguel, CA three grandchildren, Lauren Elizabeth Broadhead (Eric) Murray of Phoenix, AZ, Jeffrey Daken Broadhead of Newport Beach, and Katherine Adams Broadhead (David) Scruggs of Salt Lake City, UT. As a loving wife, mother and grandmother, she will be missed dearly. Her parents and brother, James L. Muir, Jr. preceded her in death.

As a long time resident of Coronado, she originally lived here in the early 1940's and enjoyed it so much she wanted to return one day and raise her family. In 1963, they bought the residence they live in today.

Beth was born April 1, 1922 a daughter of James L. and Geneva Theall Muir in Los Angeles, CA. She was a 4th Generation Californian. Her first visit to Coronado was at two months old to what was then known as "Tent City." She was raised and educated in Los Angeles and graduated from Manual Arts High School in 1941. Active in Job's Daughters from age 15 to 21, she was elected Honored Queen. As music major, she graduated from University of Southern California in 1945 and was a member of Chi Omega Sorority which was a lifelong membership of sisterhood.

During her college years, she worked for Douglas Aircraft where DC-3's were built. She was profiled in "Rosie's Daughter's", a book about women who worked in defense jobs during World War II.

As a young woman, Elizabeth had a wonderful soprano voice and sang throughout Southern California including J. Spencer Cornwall. She was a vocalist at weddings and Job's Daughters events. She sang with the LA Oratorio Society, the official chorus of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. She had the opportunity to sing at the Pantages Hollywood Theatre in March of 1940.

In 1945, she married USN Ensign Edward W. Behm following his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD. They became acquainted during their high school years. Her life as a naval officer's wife began moving every year from East coast to West coast, Hawaii, and to Brussels, Belgium before retiring to their favorite Coronado. Beth was known by her friends as the "Poster Girl" for a naval officer's wife, always upbeat and positive and entertaining with grace and charm. She was very involved in all of her daughter's activities growing up from Job's Daughters to Girl Scouts. Known for her infectious laugh, she loved gardening and floral arrangements. Following retirement, her passion was volunteering as a Docent with the San Diego Historical Society at Villa Montezuma along with the Coronado Historical Society. Also the Hotel Del Coronado, the San Diego Opera and the San Diego Republican National Convention. She was a member of the San Diego Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, USC Trojan League. Coronado Garden Club for 48 years, Chi Omega Alumnae, the Assistance League of San Diego and a Little Club member since Junior High School days. She enjoyed her family history and genealogical research.

Private family services will be held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego at noon on June2nd, 2011. A "Celebration of Life" will be held June 2nd at their home at 5:00 pm.

In lieu of flower, donations may be made in Elizabeth Behm's memory to The American Cancer Society and Coronado Historical Association.

Arrangements under the direction of Merkley-Mitchell Mortuary, San Diego, CA.