Mildred Arlene Beach

Wolfeboro – Mildred Arlene Beach passed peacefully at her home on Crescent Lake Avenue, Wolfeboro on Sunday, April 6, 2025. She was 101.

Mildred was born in Wolfeboro on March 2, 1924, the eldest of three children born to Clarence and Hazel (Libbey) Beach. Since 1939 she proudly resided in the home her father and mother had built.  

She was a graduate of Brewster Free Academy and attended the University of New Hampshire before settling into her professional life in Wolfeboro.

Fondly known as “Beachie” or “Millie” she was fortunate to find her true passion early on as Executive Secretary of the Lakes Region Association (LRA) where she promoted travel and tourism in the Lakes Region and the State of New Hampshire for over 40 years.

Following retirement from the LRA in 1988 Mildred was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives where she served for three terms from 1988-1994.

Beachie believed that people and businesses could be more successful working cooperatively than working individually and put her beliefs into practice as a founder of the NH Travel Council and the Lakes Region Attractions, and by working closely with the White Mountains Attractions and others in New Hampshire, New England and beyond.

She was also a friend and mentor to dozens of people, many of whom went on to have notable careers in the hospitality and tourism industry and in the State legislature.

She was a Trustee of The Big “E”, Eastern States Exposition starting in 1982 and as a Trustee Emeritus until her death. She managed New England’s booth at the 1964-65 World’s Fair in Flushing, New York, flying back and forth every other weekend when the Fair was open.

In 1971 she was one of the founders of WASR-AM Radio in Wolfeboro where she wrote and voiced her own weekly program called “Kaleidoscope.”

A firm believer that “There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats," (Wind and The Willows) nothing pleased Beachie more than a boat ride, whether it be a cruise on her beloved MS Mount Washington, an outing on her own Penn Yan named My Time, a steamboat in Green’s Basin, or fishing from her row boat on Lake Wentworth.

Mildred received many accolades over the years including scholarships and programs bearing her name, however when a 1928 vintage-era wooden boat came to Wolfeboro in 1998 and was christened the Millie B in her honor, she was well pleased.

Her personal interests were many and varied. She was an avid Red Sox fan, learned to fly a plane, tied flies with Ted Williams, and trained her show dog, a German Shepard named Duchess, with whom she brought home many blue ribbons.

She helped her contractor shingle the roof of one of her cottages and jack up and level the other one.

She helped promote and support a number of causes. Among her favorites were The Barnstormers Summer Theater, The Loon Preservation Society and the purchase and preservation of Stamp Act Island on Lake Wentworth.

Mildred is survived by her sister, Muriel Beach of New York City and extended family including Jerry York (Rhea) of Wolfeboro, their son Peter Matthew York (Sheri) of Orange, Virginia and their daughter Shelby York Whitcomb (David) of Wolfeboro, grandchildren Mia York of Plymouth, Matthew York of Rochester, Marc Henry of Wolfeboro, Brandon Henry of Ossipee and great grandchildren Annabel, Ryleigh and Ryder Henry.

Beachie was predeceased by her parents, her brother Charleton Beach, and her dear cousin Irene York and her husband Frank.

The family wishes to extend its deep and sincere appreciation to Beachie’s caregivers Bonnie, Karen, Brenda and Lauren. Her wish to remain in her home could not have been fulfilled without them. They would also like to thank everyone at the Lakes Region Visiting Nurse Association for their kind and caring assistance.

A Celebration of Life honoring Mildred will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Road, Moultonborough. Please come and share your memories.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Lakes Region VNA, 186 Waukewan Street, Meredith, NH 03253 or a local charity or non-profit of your choice.

Lord’s Funeral Home in Wolfeboro is handling arrangements.

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