Lucy Louise Beattie

Lucy Louise Beattie, age 92, of Chagrin Falls passed away peacefully in her home January 9, 2022. Loving mother and grandma to Cyd and Tim McDowell, and J.B. and Amie Raftus (Kaitlin, Shea, McCall, Dempsey and Beckett). Loyal aunt to Rebecca Reed, Martha Bistritz, and Susan Beattie.

Lucy was born June 9, 1929 in Bainbridge--the second of two children--to Milton and Lucile Beattie. The farm at the corner of East Washington St. and Savage Rd. where she was raised is the physical manifestation of her lifelong central priority, family. In her childhood it was a vast playground she explored with her older brother Ralph and cousins Larry, Gert, Gretchen, Beth, Carolyn, Anita and Hugh Van. In her adult years it was the hub for weekly multi-generational family meals, holiday celebrations, spontaneous drop-ins, and lots of loving maintenance of the land.

She graduated from CFHS in 1947 and Ohio Wesleyan University in 1951 (BA Home Economics and Graphic Arts). At her beloved OWU she was an active member of Delta Gamma and a frequent visitor to Bun’s restaurant for a slice of their legendary fudge cake.

She began her career as a dietitian at Halle’s Tea Room downtown Cleveland and became a homemaker once her children were born. She was the ultimate involved, active, up-for- anything mom, making her home the neighborhood social center--always ensuring everyone was welcome and well-fed. She loved hosting of any kind—from carefully curated dinner parties to spontaneous cookouts to making sure the kids ice skating on the backyard pond had warm cocoa and a hot fire when their toes became numb. A stop at Lucy’s house for trick or treating didn’t mean grabbing a candy bar, but rather a homemade Halloween-themed buffet.

With her grandchildren far away in Austin, she predictably became a frequent visitor to the Lone Star State. When she couldn’t travel, she ensured her love was felt via thoughtful packages arriving throughout the year containing everything from homemade miniature heart sugar cookies on Valentine’s Day to custom-made Halloween decorations, to elaborately wrapped personalized Christmas gifts.

She was active in multiple local organizations including the Dogwood Valley Garden Club, Current Events Club, The Monnett Club, Delta Gamma Cleveland East Alumnae, and “The Rec.” She passionately volunteered for the Cleveland Sight Center and was a lifelong member of the Chagrin Falls United Methodist Church, singing in the chancel choir from 1952-1974. A member of the Chagrin Falls Historical Society for over 40 years, she served as the Endowment Fund Chair where her leadership and resolve paved the way for the Society’s purchase and renovation of its current home on East Washington St. She was honored with the Outstanding Service Award in 1991.

Once her children were grown, she became the community’s central advocate for local businesses in her work at the Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce, first as Executive Secretary (’75-’80) and then as Executive Director (’80-’85). Her Chamber work was recognized by the Chagrin Valley Jaycees with their Distinguished Service Award in 1988.

In 1985, she joined Milton and Ralph in their family business, H.W. Beattie and Sons-- Cleveland’s premier gem merchant--founded by her grandfather in 1884. She wore multiple hats, operating as co-owner, business manager, salesperson, custom jewelry designer and perhaps most notably, taking over her father’s renowned tradition of designing custom store window displays—painting pictures with gems--that were influenced by the season or current events. Lucy retired after the store closed in 2005.

She loved flowers and gardening, arts and crafts, music (The Cleveland Orchestra, show tunes and anything crooned by Robert Goulet), nature, tennis, and a good jog around the village-- always showing up ready with a twinkle in her eye at the annual Blossom Run.

She will be buried at a private family service at Evergreen Cemetery on January 28, 2022. The family is planning a community event to celebrate Lucy’s life in the spring/summer of 2022— details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her name to The Chagrin Valley Little Theatre or the Valley Art Center where a fund has been established in her name to promote local public art installations.

Arrangements by Stroud Lawrence Funeral Home.

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