This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Rochell Roane Beebe.
Shelly, as she was known to her family and friends, was born November 14, 1961 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She passed away on March 19, 2016 in her home in Norfolk, Virginia.
Shelly was second of three girls in the Roane family. The early years of her life were spent in a small town in the Philadelphia suburbs. Although she was sometimes quiet as a child, she was inquisitive and fun loving. She was an active Girl Scout, athlete and solid student. She enjoyed music and mastered the clarinet, bassoon and piano. She finished high school in Virginia and was a state-ranked middle distance runner. She graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder in 1984 before moving to California. She worked for almost 10 years at Martin Marietta’s Vandenberg Operations and was formally recognized for her excellent work as a highly-valued employee. Shelly’s athletic interests continued into her adult years and she successfully completed the San Diego marathon as well as other half-marathons and 10k races.
While living in Santa Maria for over 30 years, Shelly met and married Greg Beebe and raised two beautiful daughters, Alyson and Devon. She was a road warrior travelling thousands of miles as a basketball and volleyball mom. Still she found the time to administrate the family’s construction company, work as treasurer at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, be a YMCA Big Sister, be first in the car line every day, read, and volunteer at the Food Bank.
She was a tirelessly dedicated mother who gave countless hours of support to her daughters and their academic, religious and athletic development. She was deeply involved and touched the lives of many as an active parent at St. Joseph High School and member at the St. Louis de Montfort Parish in Santa Maria, California. As a sign of their respect and love, a crowd of over 350, gathered on April 2 at a joyous celebration mass in her honor.
In life, Shelly was best known for her gentleness, kind heart and spirit of generosity. She had a hearty and genuine laugh. And even when she was facing one of life’s challenges, her sharp wit would force you to smile along with her. Shelly’s death was truly unexpected and all who knew her in life are saddened by her sudden departure. She is survived by: her daughters ARB and Devon Denise Beebe and their father Gregory Lee Beebe of Santa Maria, California; her parents Arnold and Myrtle Roane of Denver, Colorado; sisters Denise Roane Barnes and her husband Rick Barnes of Boston and Arlene Roane Rahn and her husband Henry Rahn of Washington, DC; a niece Amina Taylor and nephew Kyle Barnes; her grandmother Emma McCoy (age 95) of Philadelphia; and a cousin Jill Felicia Bradway and her daughters Jordyn and Nia of Rochester, New York. She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Howard and Mabel Brown; a maternal grandfather, Charles McCoy; and an aunt Helen Bradway.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in honor of Rochell Roane Beebe be made to Catholic Charities, 607 E. Main Street, Santa Maria, CA 93454.
