Beatriz Martha De Wehe

Born to the late Ernesto Rodolfo Sangineto and Concepción Sangineto del Campo, she was the middle child and only sister of three siblings. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her older brother, Julio Sangineto.

She leaves behind her younger brother, Ernesto Sangineto, two daughters, Silvia Wehe and Analia Wehe-Lehmann, four grandchildren, Daniel Guillen, Karina Arrieta, Andrea Lehmann, Thao Lehmann, a niece and three nephews.

Beatriz was born in Buenos Aires prior to the start of the second World War and grew up during the infamous reign of Juan and Eva Perón. Her father, a banker of Italian descent and her mother of Spanish descent, provided a warm and loving household with a passion for food, family, soccer, tango, and the Argentine culture. Her two brothers always protected her and provided her with a taste of the Gaucho, or cowboy, way of life in rural Argentina.

Beatriz married her best friend’s brother with whom she had two daughters, Silvia and Analia. Shortly after the birth of her second daughter, the family was offered a wonderful opportunity to relocate to Lima, Peru where Beatriz and her family spent the next ten years. In Lima, Beatriz and her family made lifelong friends, and learned to perfect Peruvian cuisine. Beatriz became an avid florist and arborist with the local arboretums and absorbed the Peruvian culture, often visiting ancient Incan ruins like Machu Picchu.

In 1982, Beatriz and her family once again relocated for an exciting opportunity in the Dominican Republic. It was in the capital city of Santo Domingo where Beatriz made her mark as a dessert and pastry chef and entrepreneur. She opened Glacé, an ice cream and pastry shop where Beatriz made fresh ice cream and traditional Argentine pastries for the public. The shop became an icon of the neighborhood and a legend long after it closed.

Her daughters left home after graduating from high school and moved to the United States in search of better careers and education. Shortly afterwards, Beatriz made the difficult choice to close her ice cream and pastry shop and follow her daughters, settling down and retiring in Miami, Florida. It was in Miami where Beatriz began to enjoy retirement and celebrate her role as grandmother, or “Mamama” as she was fondly referred to by her grandkids.

In Miami, Beatriz appreciated the melting pot of Hispanic cultures, but truly cherished the opportunities given to her and her family in the United States. One of the most memorable days in her life was the day she took her Oath of Allegiance at the US naturalization ceremony. It was in Miami that Beatriz began her second career with Target, proudly working as a part-time cashier. Target allowed Beatriz to develop new close and long-lasting friendships.

In 2005, after her youngest daughter moved to Raleigh, North Carolina for a better quality of life, Beatriz followed. Once again, Beatriz found herself in a diverse environment filled with loving and welcoming people in her community. She continued working as a cashier with Target and ultimately retired with the retail giant after a very successful eleven-year career. Her second time in retirement included spending more time with her two youngest granddaughters, Andrea and Thao, and taking up hobbies like painting and traveling.

This past year was difficult for Beatriz and her family. She was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and suffered several fractures over a very short period, limiting her mobility. Despite exceptional efforts to help her regain movement by her dedicated team of doctors at Duke Health, it was simply too much for Beatriz to endure and she passed peacefully under palliative care. Those fortunate enough to have known her, will be pleased to know one of the last sounds played for her was that of Carlos Gardel singing Mi Buenos Airés Querido.

Two local charitable organizations, Resources for Seniors and Meals on Wheels, offered invaluable assistance during Beatriz’ most difficult times. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in her name to either of these two organizations using the links below, under 'Donations".

There will be no public funeral service. Beatriz requested to be cremated and her ashes scattered in the Atlantic Ocean near the North Carolina coast so they may slowly find their way to her birthplace in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A private ceremony will be held.