Judith Beischel

In Loving Memory Judith Beischel May 30, 1948 – July 18, 2026 Fountain Hills, AZ / Camden, NY – Judith Beischel, 78, of Fountain Hills, AZ, and Camden, NY; passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 30, 1948, in Rome, NY, to the late Francis and Catherine Thibault Slate. Judi served her country as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, as a Boatswain’s Mate First Class. She was an Inductee into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame and held many distinctions in the American Legion including Past Arizona American Legion State Commander, Past Arizona American Legion National Executive Committeewoman, National American Legion College Graduate, Past Arizona American Legion College Facilitator, along with numerous other National and State American Legion Positions. She was also Past National Director VIP 20 & 4, the Honor Society of Women Legionnaires, and Past Exalted Ruler of the Fountain Hills Arizona Elks Lodge. Born with a spirit that refused to be anything but genuine, Judi lived her life with a rare combination of grit, grace, and generosity. Although faced with physical challenges and medical issues, she faced both with perseverance and determination, not letting them slow her down. She believed in her country and her fellow Veterans with her whole heart, honoring their values not just in words but in the way she lived — with courage, responsibility, and unwavering pride. It’s not an exaggeration to say that Judi dedicated her life to helping Veterans and strengthening the American Legion. To know her was to feel welcome. She never met a stranger; every person she encountered became a friend within moments. Whether she was offering a warm smile, a listening ear, she had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. Her kindness traveled far, touching lives in ways that will never be forgotten. Independent to her core, Judi charted her own path and encouraged others to do the same. She faced challenges with a steady resolve and a positive can-do attitude. She was the one people turned to for strength and advice, and she gave it freely — never asking for anything in return. Judi celebrated life’s joys with contagious enthusiasm. Among the joys she embraced were campfires, karaoke, darts, table shuffleboard, playing cards, and traveling with family. She was always up for a new adventure. Her legacy is one of love, patriotism, resilience, and connection. She leaves behind a community of family, friends, and countless others who were blessed by her warmth and her unwavering belief in the goodness of people. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit — bold, kind, and beautifully unshakeable — will live on in every life she touched. She was predeceased by her brothers, Robert and Kevin Slate; and her nephew, Chad Slate. Judi is survived by her husband, Jim Beischel; her daughter, Melissa Tolliver; four grandchildren, Gabe, Gavin, Riah and Kenzie; a great-grandchild Valentino; three siblings, Karen (Ted) Kenealy, Jean (Jack) Lemmon and Debra DeKing, along with her aunt, Peg Phelps and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 35 Third Street, Camden, NY. Interment will follow in Forest Park Cemetery, Camden, NY. Arrangements are in care of LaRobardiere Funeral Home, 109 Main Street, Camden, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Judi’s memory to the American Legion Operation Comfort Warriors Program.