Caroline Shau Jen Lee Beal

Caroline Shau Jen Lee Beal, age 58, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Monday, July 1, 2024, with her husband by her side. Her long struggle is finally over. 

Born December 31, 1965 in Taipei, Taiwan, Caroline was the daughter of Scott and Florence Lee. At age 12, her family moved to the United States and they soon settled in Clark, NJ. There, she attended local schools, and then furthered her education at Rutgers University. After college graduation in 1988, she taught elementary school for several years in New Jersey and Virginia. 

During her time at Rutgers, Caroline began attending the United Methodist Church and met her future husband, Tim Beal. Tim and Caroline were married on July 2, 1994. Following the births of their son and daughter, Kevin and Kori, Caroline turned her attention to her new family, transferring her skills from the classroom to a home-schooling environment. Believing that the best way to teach is by example, Caroline was also an active member of her church community and a chapter leader in the Institute for Cultural Communicators (ICC) for many years. 

From a young age, Caroline demonstrated both a stubborn streak and a desire to take on new challenges. In 2010, she and Tim moved their family to Maryland, where they quickly developed new circles of friends. Later, as their children left home, they looked for more things they could enjoy together, like square dancing, travel, and sampling ethnic foods. And six years ago, when breast cancer again threatened, they tackled it head-on, together. Caroline approached both life and death with a brave heart, a strong will, and unstoppable determination. She loved well and was well loved.

Remaining to cherish her memory are her husband, Tim; her children, Kevin Beal and Kori Lukachick; her father, Scott Lee; her three sisters: Jennifer King, Joanne Christie, and Grace Bonanno, and their families; along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her mother, Florence Lee, preceded her in death. 

A Celebration of Life for Caroline will be held at 6:30 pm on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Neighborhood Church, 16501 Redland Road, Rockville, MD 20855. The family will receive friends at the church, beginning at 5:30 pm; there will also be an informal reception and time of remembrance following the service. Upon Caroline's wishes, a more colorful attire is encouraged.

For those unable to attend in person, there will be a livestream on Neighborhood Church's Facebook page here.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be directed to one of the following:

Institute for Cultural Communicators

Habitat for Humanity

Arbor Day Foundation

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