Beth McLaren

Died unexpectedly on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at her home. Beth exuded joy and grace. Whether volunteering with organizations near to her heart, walking her dog, Lizzie, around the neighborhood, or laughing over dinner with family, Beth spread love wherever she went. Born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania on September 14, 1956, Beth developed a passion for learning at an early age and graduated as her high school's valedictorian. At Taylor University, she studied both Psychology and Philosophy of Religion, and found time to meet Jim, her husband of forty years. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Taylor, Beth went on to earn a Master of Divinity from Yale University and was ordained as an Episcopal priest on February 2, 1985. After serving various congregations within the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut, Beth and Jim moved to Kalamazoo in 1995. Beth was actively involved in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan, including twice serving as Associate Rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church. However, Beth's proudest achievement was raising her three children: Ian (Conor), Graham (Toni), and Emma (Jeff). Beth is also survived by her mother, Jean Calhoun. After receiving a cancer diagnosis over a decade ago, Beth made a point to fully embrace every day with ballroom dancing, James Taylor, books, travel, piano playing, wine, games, volunteering, and lots of laughter. Her family will remember Beth's compassion for others, her exuberance, her thoughtfulness, and her unwavering love of life. The Liturgy for the Burial of the Dead will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 274 W. Lovell St. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Loaves and Fishes at kzoolf.org or Crescendo Academy of Music at crescendoacademy.com/support_us/. Please visit Beth's webpage for directions, online guest book or to leave a condolence. www.langelands.com