Florence Beeler

Florence Beeler, devoted wife, mother and grandma, died peacefully in Denver at 5:30 PM, June 30, with her loving daughter, Susan Beeler Kreutzer and son-in-law, Rick by her side. She was 94 years old. Florence was born on March 31, 1923 in Cleveland, Ohio and was one of four children born to John and Lucy DeCrescenzo. Her father was an Italian immigrant, and was a hard working brick mason who won the Purple Heart and the Silver Star in World War I. She moved to Del Mar, California in 1950 with her parents. Eventually, she worked for the Screen Actors Guild as an assistant under the leadership of then actor Ronald Reagan. After a short courtship, she married aeronautical engineer De Elroy Beeler who was destined to be the director of NASA's Flight Research Center and was on the team at Edwards Air Force Base that broke the sound barrier with Chuck Yeager in 1947. Florence and De lived amongst the Antelope Valley community of scientists and test pilots depicted in the 1993 movie, ""The Right Stuff"". While living in Lancaster, California, Florence volunteered at Antelope Valley Hospital and was a member of the Alpha Charter Guild and the Assistance League. She enjoyed bridge and golf and was a fabulous cook; however, her greatest joy was in being a wife and mother. Her children Susan and Rusty were born during exciting times on the high desert. Florence and De relocated to Santa Barbara upon De's retirement and enjoyed a very active social life as members of the Santa Barbara Lawn Bowling Club, sailing off the coast of California, going to Mammoth Mountain for skiing and jazz festivals, frequently taking a spin on the dance floor, and travelling to visit their children and her ""main squeeze"" grandson, Erik, now an attorney in Manhattan. Florence and De were members of the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club and regularly attended the matches and events. She was a dedicated member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. As a widow Florence continued an active life with friends and her beloved Westie, Rocky until she moved to Colorado in 2015 to be with Susan and Rick. Florence was intelligent, engaging and spirited with a fabulous sense of style (all things sparkling) that reflected her artistic and colorful personality. She had incredible strength of character and integrity, loyalty and a directness that was endearing. Her greatest love was being a mother, grandmother and wife, and she dedicated herself to that end. She is survived by her children including daughter Susan, son-in-law, Rick Kreutzer, grandson, Erik, sister, Lu Fatica, brother, Dominic DeCrescenzo and numerous nieces and nephews all of whom she cherished. The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care given to Florence by the Denver Hospice and Brookdale Park Place (Clare Bridge). Interment information is pending. Please share memories of Florence and condolences with her family in the Guestbook.