Jeanette Viola (Welch) Beard, 73

SEAFORD - Jeanette Viola Welch Beard of Seaford left her home and loved ones" hearts and was received by God Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007, after an extended battle with cancer and COPD. She was 73.

Jeanette was born at home on Aug. 18, 1933, in Laurel.

After attending and graduating from Laurel High School with the class of 1951, she was accepted by the Milford Memorial School of Nursing in order to pursue a dream and career as a nurse.

Upon graduation, Jeanette married, not the first, but her eventual lifelong sweetheart, Donald, on July 8, 1954.

After receiving the results of her State Board Examination, she joined her husband in Bermuda, where he was stationed with the U.S. Air Force, for a two year honeymoon.

Upon returning home December 1956 to live in Seaford, they returned with not only more personal belongings than they started with, but also a bundle of joy, Donald Jr.

He, by the way, wanted to give Mommy something special for her birthday, so he was born on her birthday on Aug. 18, 1955.

Following later, on Dec. 2, 1957, a second blessing, Tawn Frederick, was born.

The last little "angel," Lisa Cherise, was born March 20, 1962.

With the family growth finalized, Jeanette decided to pursue her nursing career and returned to Milford Hospital in 1966. This began a 28-year work relationship until her forced retirement in 1994 caused by the misfortune of surgery, radiation and the resulting decline in health.

During her 28 years of service to Milford Memorial Hospital, she worked as a floor nurse on 2 West, emergency room nurse, and triage nurse.

After many notable achievements and volunteer contributions, Jeanette was awarded "Nurse of the Year" in 1989.

Jeanette touched the hearts of many patients and staff during her career as a medical professional.

She was an inspiration to all. Her gracious spirit, selfless heart and bubbly personality set her apart from many.

Jeanette"s legacy will continue long after her leaving and will live within the hearts of all with whom she came in contact.

Jeanette especially enjoyed dancing, bowling, flower arranging crafts, cross stitch, her gnome collection, singing as a member of Sweet Adelines International, being a member of the Laurel Alumni Association, the sun and beach, birds and wildlife watching.

Her relaxing times included watching NASCAR, TV Food Network and game shows, along with reading, audio book listening and utilizing the laptop computer reaching family, friends and new-found friends on the Internet.

Most of all, Jeanette loved being able to travel in her RV, seeing new places, friends and family. And last, but not least, spending time at the family cottage at "Pelican Point" in Nanticoke, Md., overlooking the river to the Chesapeake Bay, truly the "Land of Pleasant Living" for her. And now, she has gone to another "Land of Pleasant Living."

Jeanette was preceded in death by her father, James Ervan Welch; her mother, Sallie O"Neal Welch White; a stepfather, Fred White; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Carroll F. Beard Sr. and Eva; and, dear to her heart, her beloved Yorkie Skeeter.

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband of 53 years, Donald F. Beard Sr.; son, Donald F. Beard Jr. and his wife, Lauri and their children, Jimmy and Danielle, and their three children (Jeanette"s great-grandchildren); her son, Tawn F. Beard Sr., and his wife, Joanne; her grandchildren, Anita, Michael, Buddy, Tawn Marie, and Tawn Jr.; her daughter, Lisa Beard Johnson; her grandchildren, Chelsie and Kyle; her brother, Quentin V. Welch, and his wife, Mary, as well as many other family and friends.

A private viewing was held on at Holloway Funeral Home in Salisbury, Md.

Memorial gifts and contributions in Jeanette"s memory may be made to a Hospice of your choice, Cancer Research, Milford Memorial Hospital or Mount Olivet Church, Seaford.

Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home and Crematorium Professional Association, 501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, MD 21804.

Family and friends are invited from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 22 at Blades VFD Hall for a memorial tribute, remembrance and celebration of Jeanette"s Life.