Beatrix M. Loughlin

Beatrix M. Loughlin, 86, of Lower Providence Township, PA, passed away peacefully at her residence on December 11, 2024. A member of St. Teresa of Avila Church in Audubon, PA, Beatrix was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She worked for over 20 years at the Phoenixville YMCA, retiring as the Aquatic Director. Beatrix was also an accomplished artist with a special love for painting.

Born in Deventer, Netherlands on February 11, 1938, Beatrix was the daughter of the late Willem and Barendina (Schoo) Wolthuis. She cherished her Dutch heritage and frequently returned to visit family and friends in the Netherlands. She fondly recalled her childhood in Holland, sharing memories of playing chalk games with friends on the streets and delighting in the language of her homeland. Beatrix loved teaching others the meanings of Dutch words and spent many hours working on her Dutch puzzle books to maintain her fluency. She also loved a cup of tea and a "abklein koekje" (small cookie), or as Chris says a "coocicha."

Beatrix had a deep love for nature, especially wildlife and wolves. She spent countless hours observing the birds and deer around her home and enjoyed tending to her rosebushes. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life and always had a welcoming space for family and friends.

Beatrix's greatest joy came from her family. She loved reading to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and one of her favorite pastimes was coloring with them. Every Christmas, her homemade gingerbread men were a cherished tradition, eagerly anticipated by all. Beatrix also enjoyed making homemade Halloween costumes and always ensured her children were impeccably dressed, even packing backup outfits in case they got dirty.

Beatrix was known for her kindness, wisdom, and support. She took great pride in being a trusted listener, offering advice and a caring ear to friends, family, and even employees. Many people deeply appreciated her compassion and ability to make them feel heard and supported.

A lover of "girl talk," Beatrix often spoke of the joy of "a giggle" with friends, saying, "That’s what girls do." She also had a lifelong love of the beach, whether camping in her Winnebago or later in life, relaxing at her beach house.

Beatrix is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Lawrence E. Loughlin; their children, Pamela Stephenson (Brent), Denise Boaz (Christopher), John M. Loughlin (Shirl Fitzpatrick), and Christopher Loughlin (Andrea); 12 grandchildren, Bryan, Nicholas, Elizabeth, Christopher, Harrison, Lucy, Molly, Alicea, Conall, Katie, Grace, and Gavin; and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Milly, and three nieces.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Teresa of Avila Church, 1260 S. Trooper Rd, Norristown, PA, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation from 8:45 AM to 9:45 AM, with the Mass beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions made to the Phoenixville YMCA in Bea's honor.

Arrangements are entrusted to The Bacchi Funeral Home & Crematory, Bridgeport, PA.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.bacchifh.com.

Beatrix’s family will forever treasure her love, wisdom, and the warm memories she created with them.