Beatrice C. Tangel

Beatrice C. Tangel, 89, of Mackinaw, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 31, 2022, at her home, a true matriarch, a much beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend to many who will always hold her in their hearts. Beatrice was born on March 21, 1933, in Brooklyn, NY, to Joaquim and Rosalie (Hofaker) deLyra. She married Ed Tangel, her husband for 67 years, on September 17, 1955 at her church, Saint Thomas Aquinas in Brooklyn NY; he survives. Also surviving are her 5 children, Jeffrey (Kathleen) Tangel of Chicago, Douglas Tangel, M.D. (Jackie) of Longmont, CO, Larry (Kari) Tangel of Peoria Heights, Neil (Gyneen) Tangel of Telford, TN, and Colette (Jerry) Landry, M.D. of Cooperstown, NY; one sister, Adelaide Auwerda of Rehoboth Beach, DE; 17 grandchildren, Elizabeth (Joel), Ellen (George), Jack (Jaimee), Mia, Isabel, Peter, Edward, Jack, Sophie, Mark, Will, Samantha, Haley, & Emily Tangel and Joaquim, Genevieve, & Isaac Landry; and 3 great-grandchildren, Julian, Evelyn and Luna, and baby boy Landes on his way, all a precious joy to her and she to all of them. She was preceded in death by her four beloved siblings, brothers, Vincent, Theodore, Raymond and sister Rosalie (Bushman). Beatrice loved children dearly, always believed that things happen for a reason, that God gave us signs to let us know that the world was good and that we, all of her family were good and could and should do good things. That’s how she lived, never self-centered, never seeking the limelight, always making others the center of attention. She was a joyful voice of encouragement for family and friends, some of whom became like family especially Aretta who loved her dearly (and whose middle name is Beatrice!), and her beloved husband whom she supported in every way. More than anything, Beatrice believed in her children and her husband, encouraging all of us to believe in ourselves. There’s no better gift than that. Beatrice worked hard, a labor of love, she was fearless and courageous, never complained, appreciating everything small and large. She was a strong female role model for her daughter, daughters-in-law and her granddaughters, all of whom loved and respected her dearly. She began her family living in a small apartment in Astoria Queens NY caring for an infant and a toddler, hauling laundry up three flights of stairs to hang-dry on a rooftop clothesline. Her dedication to family enriched her children and enabled her husband Ed to attend graduate school at New York University taking classes at night after working all day, and to ultimately found Enercon Engineering in East Peoria, IL a family company, run like a family for more than 45 years so much so that all employees knew and loved both Beatrice and Ed. It was not an easy life, but she never complained. She was full of laughter, always finding joy and connection, often remarking, “Isn’t that funny?” and “Isn’t that wonderful?” dispelling the idea of frivolous coincidence, gently guiding us to pay attention, to recognize the gifts of life are always present. So deep was her love and connection, many thought she was something of a clairvoyant, someone who could see past the ordinary, past the troubles in everyday life, to the good that lies behind it all. Her grandchildren especially appreciated her premonitions, “That’s grandma,” they’d say, “She knows!” During the final weeks of her long life she was remarkably joyful and happy, having lived a full good life she told everyone she was “ready to go.” With courage and equanimity, she showed us all how to do what we all must do, a final precious gift to her family. She would often say that God had been talking to her, and she to God, then wryly, with a laugh suggest to whomever was listening that they didn’t believe her. But we did! She was always telling us to do our best and leave the rest to God, both a source of encouragement and solace for all of us. Beatrice loved animals, especially dogs, always strays and rescues, and she had a special connection to horses. Long before most, she knew that horses were “people” too, that these gentle giants had a special connection to humans, easily perceptible to those open enough to perceive it. She knew that animals know things and caring for them makes us all more human. After many years of riding and keeping horses at other people’s barns, she was able to build her own to ride and care for five at her home, and when they passed away, she buried them on the family property. She traveled around to horse shows, including TX, CA and Portugal (birthplace of her father) participating herself in dressage events, and when she was older, just enjoying the company and camaraderie of others who loved horses. She taught many of her grandchildren to ride, care for and appreciate horses as she did. And when they fell off, which was inevitable, she was right there coaxing them to, “Get right back up on that horse,” in her usual very direct manner, a subtle, not so subtle life lesson in persistence and determination. As one of her daughters-in-law said, Beatrice “was an unforgettable character with a heart of gold.” Touchingly, a sentiment reaching across generations, one of her grandson-in-laws said, “I always admired her strength, her frankness, her dedication to family, and love for her pack. And it was her pack.” Beatrice was a true matriarch, a force of nature who enriched the lives of everyone she met showing us all how to live a full, and good human life. She was a gift to us all and we are eternally grateful. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on, always held deeply in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Visitation for Beatrice C. Tangel will be from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, November 4, 2022, at Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria, with a Prayer Service beginning at 5:45 p.m. A second visitation at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Delavan. Father Michael Adrie will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Delavan with a luncheon to follow. Memorial contributions can be made to any Child Welfare organization as well as Central Illinois Riding Therapy (CIRT) or Tazewell Animal Protective Society (TAPS). Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.

Beatrice C. Tangel

March 21, 1933 - October 31, 2022