In Loving Memory of Beate Kearns
Beate was born on July 2, 1963 in Wiesbaden, Germany. She was one of 3 children raised by her mother Christa and her father Robert.
Beate graduated from the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany with a law degree and went on to become a judge.
In the spring of 1989, Beate met the love of her life, Tom, while he was working as an automotive designer in Germany. Once he returned to the United States, they spent late nights talking on the phone laughing about their troubles communicating over long-distance and the language barrier. After many trips back and forth between Michigan and Germany, Beate decided to stay in Michigan with Tom, and married him in 1995. She completed her US Bar Exam and their daughter, Emma, was born in April 1999.
Tom feels lucky and blessed to have had nearly 28 years together as Beate’s husband, partner, and best friend. He considers the beautiful life they shared together a privilege and an honor. Everyday they spent together was fun, always laughing and joking at the simple things, just happy to be in each other’s company. Often, wondering what others would think if they could see them in their hysteria.
Beate supported Tom and encouraged him to do things he would have never done on his own, and Tom supported her in the same way.
Emma will remember her mom as the most generous and selfless person she has ever met. Emma is inspired by Beate’s positivity towards everyone, always smiling and waving at strangers, showing genuine care towards grocery store clerks and veterinary technicians, and constantly checking in on friends. Emma greatly valued her mom’s advice and cherished the meaningful conversations they had over lunch and pedicures. While Emma will miss her mom, their irreplaceable connection remains. Emma hopes to carry on Beate’s kindness towards strangers and acceptance and love for all.
In 2019, Beate battled breast cancer, enduring 4 rounds of chemotherapy and several surgeries. The treatment was successful. Then, at the end of 2021, she was diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma and underwent multiple surgeries and radiation. The treatment was successful until February 2023 when Beate and her family learned that the cancer spread to her liver and was untreatable.
Throughout all these challenges, she held amazing grace, dignity, and bravery while never losing her famously positive spirit. Even when she discovered her time here on Earth was going to be limited, she remained grateful for a fulfilled life and reminded us that she is not scared or anxious about where she would go, only concerned about who she would leave behind. Beate felt an abundance of love and appreciation that she said most others only have a fraction of in their lifetime, and for that she was grateful.
Tom shared that it was amazing to witness, firsthand, the legacy of inspiration that Beate created and has now left behind for us to remember. He believes she could teach a master class on how to live and love.
When discussing funeral arrangements with her family, one of Beate’s only requests was that the day be a happy celebration rather than a sad and heavy one. We know that today, Beate is in heaven, looking down on us, smiling as our angel. Although her physical self is no longer with us, her love and our memories of her are with our souls forever. And one day, when we see her again, she will greet us with open arms and a glass of Kendall Jackson chardonnay.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Ocular Melanoma Foundation.Beate graduated from the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany with a law degree and went on to become a judge.
In the spring of 1989, Beate met the love of her life, Tom, while he was working as an automotive designer in Germany. Once he returned to the United States, they spent late nights talking on the phone laughing about their troubles communicating over long-distance and the language barrier. After many trips back and forth between Michigan and Germany, Beate decided to stay in Michigan with Tom, and married him in 1995. She completed her US Bar Exam and their daughter, Emma, was born in April 1999.
Tom feels lucky and blessed to have had nearly 28 years together as Beate’s husband, partner, and best friend. He considers the beautiful life they shared together a privilege and an honor. Everyday they spent together was fun, always laughing and joking at the simple things, just happy to be in each other’s company. Often, wondering what others would think if they could see them in their hysteria.
Beate supported Tom and encouraged him to do things he would have never done on his own, and Tom supported her in the same way.
Emma will remember her mom as the most generous and selfless person she has ever met. Emma is inspired by Beate’s positivity towards everyone, always smiling and waving at strangers, showing genuine care towards grocery store clerks and veterinary technicians, and constantly checking in on friends. Emma greatly valued her mom’s advice and cherished the meaningful conversations they had over lunch and pedicures. While Emma will miss her mom, their irreplaceable connection remains. Emma hopes to carry on Beate’s kindness towards strangers and acceptance and love for all.
In 2019, Beate battled breast cancer, enduring 4 rounds of chemotherapy and several surgeries. The treatment was successful. Then, at the end of 2021, she was diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma and underwent multiple surgeries and radiation. The treatment was successful until February 2023 when Beate and her family learned that the cancer spread to her liver and was untreatable.
Throughout all these challenges, she held amazing grace, dignity, and bravery while never losing her famously positive spirit. Even when she discovered her time here on Earth was going to be limited, she remained grateful for a fulfilled life and reminded us that she is not scared or anxious about where she would go, only concerned about who she would leave behind. Beate felt an abundance of love and appreciation that she said most others only have a fraction of in their lifetime, and for that she was grateful.
Tom shared that it was amazing to witness, firsthand, the legacy of inspiration that Beate created and has now left behind for us to remember. He believes she could teach a master class on how to live and love.
When discussing funeral arrangements with her family, one of Beate’s only requests was that the day be a happy celebration rather than a sad and heavy one. We know that today, Beate is in heaven, looking down on us, smiling as our angel. Although her physical self is no longer with us, her love and our memories of her are with our souls forever. And one day, when we see her again, she will greet us with open arms and a glass of Kendall Jackson chardonnay.
