Carol J. Beebe

Carol Beebe, a woman of remarkable accomplishments and immeasurable love, passed away on December 28, 2023. Born in Maumee, Ohio, on October 31, 1938, to Richard and Virginia Koontz, she embarked on a journey that would touch countless lives and leave an indelible mark on the world.

At the age of five she met a boy named H. Glen Beebe, who would become the love of her life, and on October 25th, 1958, they married. She told her granddaughters that she “wouldn’t marry a man who didn’t dance.” Carol and Glen danced splendidly for 65 years.

As a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Carol's devotion to her family was unparalleled. A tremendous pillar of strength, she led by example and was always available to listen and advise. We will miss our quiet summer evenings conversing on her veranda with whiskey sours in hand. Her selflessness and unwavering support will forever be cherished. She radiated elegance and instilled in all of us a great appreciation of proper etiquette.

Carol’s passion for travel was infectious. From traveling abroad to simple weekends at Lake Erie, we are blessed to have shared so many amazing excursions. Her enthusiasm brought everyone together, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation of the world. Carol and Glen started a legacy of family trips to Naples, Florida, and Catawba Island which future generations will continue to enjoy.

Carol studied at The Ohio State University and Antioch University. She received her B.A. in English, B.S. in English Education and M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. With a passion for instilling knowledge and inspiring young minds, she dedicated four decades to teaching. Carol's impact as an educator shaped generations of students who were fortunate to pass through her classroom. She inspired the English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Columbus Public Schools and was later known for her work as a Professor for the Intensive English Language Program at Capital University. Her lessons extended far beyond textbooks, as she taught her students the importance of kindness, empathy, and lifelong learning.

In addition to her teaching career, Carol was a published author, sharing her wisdom and beautiful poetry with the world. Her poems appeared in numerous literary magazines and anthologies. She received awards from Collage, Pteranodon, Kansas National Poetry Commission for the Finer Arts, Academy of American Poets at Ohio State University, National Looking Glass Competition, Community of Poets and William Redding Memorial Poetry Contest. She was also the Reading Coordinator for Ohio Poetry Day. Carol's literary contributions will continue to inspire readers for years to come.

Carol Beebe leaves behind a legacy which is cherished and celebrated. Her memory will forever be carried in the hearts of her beloved family: her devoted husband Glen Beebe, her children Michael Beebe (John Eric Sanford), Melissa Friebis (Jon Sprau), Mary James (Brad James), Martha Caspari (Tom Caspari), her grandchildren Carolyn (Robert) Knight, Tyler (Shannon) Sprau, Kaylee (Charles) Greentree, Katie (Charles) King, Thomas Caspari, Will Caspari and her great grandchildren Piper, Olivia, Cameron, Juliet, Leon, Beckett, Robert Reagan, Kendall and Avery. She also leaves behind a community of students, colleagues, and friends who were influenced by her kindness, wisdom, and passion for life.

Carol's life will be celebrated on Friday, January 5, 2024 at Schoedinger Funeral Home 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221. Memorial Mass will be held at 11 A.M. Saturday, January 6, 2023 at St. Catharine’s Catholic Church, 500 S. Gould Rd., Bexley, Ohio 43209. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to National Youth Poets/ Academy of American Poets 75 Maiden Lane Suite 901 New York, NY 10038. Let us remember Carol Beebe for the incredible woman she was, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother; published author; beloved teacher.