Mary Cheryl “MC” (Fay) Beeby could light up a room with her amazing smile. Sitting with her is like seeing the world full of possibilities and trying to decide which dream to chase. She is that person who lets you know that it’s all okay. Even in your darkest moments, she will help you see your light. She is the epitome of optimism and love. The one I would call to cry to unleash my feelings, or just to chat. My mom always has an extra chair at the table, willing to keep your secret, or just let you scream.
With a passion for helping others, mom was always on the go. She would take us to the fair early to have us set up for the bike fair where we would help teach bike safety to other kids (in the 80’s). She was a “Professional Community Do Good-er.” The truth is, she never met a cause she could say no to, and if it was for kids, you probably couldn’t stop her. I remember learning to stuff envelopes, make granola, and distribute bottled water to bicyclists. Needless to say, from an early age, we learned to give.
When asked once what she does though, her response was “I play tennis.” Her passion for tennis has led to early mornings, long days, great road trips, and so many special times. Her love for tennis helped to create multiple organizations around the state. And she has enough tennis stuff to fill a museum. Anybody need a “Tennis Log Book?”
She was always the one to bring you a sandwich and refill your drink…just to make sure you had what you needed. Her timely words of encouragement came by text, by call, and could even be found slipped into our book bags or onto our pillows.
When frustrated, she would merely stomp her foot and press on. Hate is a strong word, so we’ll never forget, “Sorry mom, you’re right; I don’t hate it; I just really strongly dislike it.” She would take politeness to the next level and say please and thank you all the time. Even from the hospital bed, she never had a bad word to say about anything or anyone. And she always let her kids know how proud she was of them.
“MC, incredible, beautiful, irreplaceable, amazing, unique, my incredible beautiful wife” Leroy says, “but you just might not want her to navigate.” “Leroy, I don’t think you should stop there.” And yet she made it all magical … four hours out of the way and back. Their travels took them from coast to coast with multiple stops all along the way. Pushing the limits and getting out of her comfort zone.
To sum it up, “I found a unicorn … and she got away.” We will keep looking for her and finding her in the special things we do for our loved ones. We learned that you can keep all those balls spinning as long as you keep your eyes open. But when you know that, with work, you could become a unicorn too, because she has been showing you how every day of her life. We love you MC, Mom, Sweetheart, Grandma, Sister, Daughter, Aunt, Friend, and more. You will be missed.
Mary Cheryl (Fay) Beeby June 9, 1947 – October 3, 2018. In lieu of flowers please submit donations to the Philipsburg Tennis Association, P.O. Box 1185, Philipsburg, MT 59858, the Last Chance Tennis Association, 2910 Skyway Drive, Helena, MT 59601, or the charity of your choosing.
Memorial service planned for November 10, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Last Chance Tennis Association.
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Paulene Smallwood says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I met MC and Leroy in Cancun almost 3 years ago. What a special evening we shared…sipping on a cocktail in a beautiful surrounding…exchanging stories. MC radiated love and positivity and had a beautiful warm smile. Rest in peace MC. I hope the beautiful memories of you live in the hearts and stay strong in the memories of your loved one’s R.I.P.
Sandi Watkins Smith says
Her smile and energy were contagious! I feel so lucky that MC was in my life and I will miss her so much.
Colleen Green says
Leroy and family – Bill and I want you to know how sorry we are for loss. MC was the matriarch of huge Montana tennis family. We have all lost a good friend and a passionate ambassador for Montana tennis. Bill and I would not have found our way back to tennis if it hadn’t been for MC’s involvement and encouragement. She and I found great success on the court playing doubles together a few years back; I cherish those memories and will always hold them dear. Please know we are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless! Colleen and Bill Green
Mary Sivula says
MC was one of the persons I met when I moved to Helena about 9.5 years ago. I don’t know how MC learned that i had moved to Helena. I think she had a certain sense that there was a new tennis player in town. She called me to play and to introduce me to the Helena Tennis community. I didn’t know MC for as long as many people did but I was so grateful to have known her in my time in Helena. She will be missed but not forgotten. :tennis::tennis::tennis::tennis:
Amber Sparks says
My favorite memory of MC was when she was giving me a dirty look with her eyes but still smiling at me. She could be annoyed, confused, or even angry… but she would still be smiling with her mouth because she always loved me even when she was annoyed or wished I was different.
Tricia McCreary says
I just recently moved back to Helena and MC was so kind in welcoming me back and connecting me to different organizations that she felt would be of interest to me. Her beautiful smile and sunny attitude will be greatly missed. I’m so sorry I didn’t get the chance to know her better.
Ray Randolph says
My sincere condolences. MC and I played several tournaments and my former employer even sponsored the summer adult leagues. I was blessed to know MC and remember our fun times.
Ray Randolph
Billings
Verna Kroll-Crane says
My daughter is a senior at HHS and she took up tennis for the first time her Jr. year. Coach Leroy was a big influence on her playing/learning and she always commented on how cute he and Mary were at the tournaments. I had the privilege of standing in line this past summer at Costco with Mary & Leroy meeting her for the first time, not knowing it would be the last, and what an honor. Beautiful inside and out!
You are all in our thoughts and prayers!
Verna Kroll-Crane & Brianna Crane
JohnCharles Thomas Horton says
Always in high school just new her as Mary Cheryl. What a nice person even then to everyone. She always laughed at my dumb jokes. Warmest thoughts and prayers to her family. Tom Horton
Mary Vandenbosch says
I first met MC through the Try Another Way State Employees group. We worked to promote alternative ways for employees to commute to work. M.C. kindly, but mercilessly, harassed our leader about cycling to work without a helmet. Over the years I’ve connected with MC many times and admired her persistent and enthusiastic dedication to making a better place for the residents of the 6th Ward neighborhood and for bicyclists and pedestrians around Montana. The last time I saw MC was at a Women’s Leadership Network luncheon. I could always count on MC to welcome me with warm enthusiasm. Always hospitable and open to newcomers, she had invited a “new-to-Montana” woman to play tennis and join us for lunch. She made a difference at all levels: personal, neighborhood, local, state, fill in the blanks.
Sending love to all who knew her.